Joseph F. Rice, prominent attorney and longtime USC benefactor, dies at 72
September 9, 2026
Joseph F. “Joe” Rice, a nationally known attorney, University of South Carolina alumnus and philanthropist whose name graces the university’s law school, died Sept. 3. He was 72.
University of South Carolina President Michael D. Amiridis remembered Rice as one of the university’s most influential alumni and supporters.
“Joe Rice was a man whose impressive combination of intellect, character, wisdom, spirit and generosity defined a life that made an outsized impact on the world he inhabited,” Amiridis said. “Such a rare man leaves an imprint that lives on long beyond his lifespan, and this will inevitably be true for Joe.”
Amiridis said USC was honored to know Rice “as an alumnus, friend, benefactor, and one of the greatest Gamecocks of our time.”
“We are honored that his name forever graces our Joseph F. Rice School of Law,” Amiridis said. “To his wife, Lisa, and the entire Rice family, we send our deepest condolences and share in the sorrow of your loss. To our great friend, Joe: Forever to thee.”
A native of Winnsboro, Rice graduated from USC in 1976 and earned his law degree from the university in 1979. He began his legal career at Blatt and Fales in Barnwell. The firm later became Ness Motley and ultimately Motley Rice LLC in Charleston, where Rice spent decades helping build one of the country’s most prominent plaintiffs’ litigation firms.
Rice became nationally known for his role in complex litigation involving asbestos liabilities, the tobacco industry and other major cases. His work over the course of his career also involved litigation on behalf of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, families affected by the opioid crisis, human rights survivors and young people harmed by social media.
“Joe Rice was a titan in the legal field whose fierce advocacy, brilliant legal mind and relentless pursuit of justice changed countless lives,” said Kevin Dean, a member of Motley Rice and president of the South Carolina Association for Justice.
Dean said Rice had a rare ability to bring people together while taking on extraordinarily complex legal challenges and advocating for people facing difficult circumstances.
Rice also left a significant mark on USC through his philanthropy.
In 2023, the university named the Joseph F. Rice School of Law in his honor following a transformational $30 million gift. The gift supports student scholarships, endowed professorships and other initiatives at the law school. The Rice Athletics Center also bears the family name.
Rice was born March 25, 1954, to the late Donnie “Don” Dewey Rice Jr. and Betty Mae Dunlap Rice. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lisa Summer Rice; daughter and law partner, Ann E. Rice Ervin; son-in-law, R. Tucker Ervin; grandson, Beckett Rice Ervin; and other family members.
His obituary described Rice as a devoted family man, mentor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who placed a high value on relationships and community throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Joseph F. Rice School of Law Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of South Carolina or The Rice Family Fund at the Coastal Community Foundation.
