Melissa Jo Rice

Mrs. Melissa Jo Rice, 57, of Branford passed away on September 3, 2021. A native of Dawson, GA, she was the daughter of Howard and Bettie Wilson Kennedy. She was a 3rd generation Dispatcher for bulk commodities and was the owner of Hopper Dispatch. She loved her boat, scalloping, fishing, traveling, and her grandchildren. Her and Randy loved trying new things and spending time with family. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Quinton Kennedy, Jr., grandparents, Carylon and Stelly Caruaru, and Mildred and Doc Wilson.

Melissa is survived by her husband Randall Rice of Branford; son, Josh (Shelly) Fuller; daughter, Jessica (Josh) Getz; mother, Betty Kennedy; grandchildren, Landen (whom she cared for), Claire, and Oliver; brothers, Howard (Theresa) Kennedy, III, and Jarred (Brittany) McCaffrey; several Aunts, Uncles and cousins also survive.

Funeral services for Melissa will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tim Setzer officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Branford. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00-2:00 P.M. (1 hour before service) Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, her grandson was the most important thing in the world to her and we would love to have a college fund started for Landen. Checks of cash can be sent to Josh Fuller/Hopper Dispatch office, 152 SE Hernando Ave., Lake City, FL 32024, or you can use Zell within your bank and transfer money and use this email, josh2016fuller@gmail.com to send to the account.

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