Joseph “Joe” Fred Rice, 72, of Mt. Pleasant, SC passed away suddenly and peacefully on September 3, 2026.

Joe was born on March 25, 1954, in Winnsboro, SC, to the late Donnie “Don” Dewey Rice, Jr. and Betty Mae Dunlap Rice.

He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Lisa Summer Rice; his daughter and law partner, Ann E. Rice Ervin; son-in-law, R. Tucker Ervin; and his beloved grandson, Beckett Rice Ervin. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Rice Phillips (Don); his brother, Donnie D. Rice III; brothers-in law, Ferdinand Summer and John Summer (Suzanne); nieces and nephews Laura Phillips Murphy (Jack), David Phillips (Val), Stephen Phillips (Katie), Caroline Rice (Adrienne) and Martin Summer (Lauren); many great-nieces and great-nephews; and an extraordinary circle of friends and colleagues.

Those left behind have lost an adoring husband, loving father, proud grandfather known affectionately as “Joe Joe,” and a treasured friend to countless people whose lives he enriched. Heaven gained a legendary negotiator, visionary lawyer, trusted mentor, successful entrepreneur, transformative philanthropist, devoted Gamecock, passionate golfer, frustrated cowboy, skilled horseman, and, above all, a remarkable human being.

Joe believed deeply in the value of hard work and the importance of loving what you do. He worked until his last moments. His work ethic and love for what he did shaped a career that began at the University of South Carolina, where he earned his B.A. in 1976 and J.D. 1979, and continued at the law firm of Blatt and Fales in Barnwell, SC. That firm later became Ness Motley and ultimately Motley Rice LLC in Charleston, where he spent decades building one of the nation’s most influential plaintiffs’ litigation firms.

Despite his accomplishments, Joe never lost sight of what mattered most: people. He valued relationships above all else and was unwavering in his commitment to his family, friendships, employees, clients, giving back and building community. Generous with his time, compassion, encouragement and wisdom, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life and the many lives he inspired will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, 2:00 PM, at The Charleston Gaillard Center, SC. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow in the Grand Ballroom of The Gaillard. All who knew and loved Joe are invited to attend and join in remembering a life lived with purpose, generosity and extraordinary impact.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, B12499 - Joseph F. Rice School of Law Endowed Scholarship Fund, USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Office of Development, 1525 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29208 or The Rice Family Fund at the Coastal Community Foundation, 1691 Turnbull Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405.

Arrangements are being handled by Stuhr Funeral Home and longtime friends at Tara Guérard Soirée.