On Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:30 PM, on the old Greene County Courthouse lawn the Mayor and City Council of Eutaw, Alabama, held ‘Tony Rice Day’ to commemorate one year since the tragic death of Rice, a city worker, who died while repairing a sewage pipe in Branch Heights.

At the ceremony, one of his city worker colleagues said, “Tony was a wonderful person. He always had a cheerful, smiling, and friendly disposition to everyone. He was a great role model for the other city employees.”

Mayor Latasha Johnson proclaimed the day as ‘Tony Rice Day’ in Eutaw. She praised Rice for his dedication and loyalty to the city. “He was one of our best employees. He knew everyone in the city and was kind to everyone he worked with. He would wash his truck so often to keep it clean and looking good that I was worried that he would wash the paint off the truck.” Mayor Johnson gave his wife, Mrs. Decharo Rice, a plaque from the city.

Mrs. Rice thanked the city and his fellow employees for helping her to recover from the loss of her husband. She said, “I am still a broken person from this tragedy, but I am working to celebrate this day for him and you in love, joy and peace.”

At the end of the ceremony, which featured singing solos from some of the staff and friends, the audience released blue and white balloons to honor Rice. The City of Eutaw provided a box lunch for all who attended.