Bruce Rice

A loving tribute.
His work here is done. After a nearly 4 year battle with cancer, Bruce Rice bid this life farewell on April 12, 2025. How do you sum up someone's life in a few paragraphs? How does one even begin to accurately reflect the impact and influence Bruce had on all those around him?
Bruce was born on July 25, 1957, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Bill & Okie Rice. He graduated from high school in Lubbock, TX, and attended San Angelo State on a golf scholarship before transferring to Texas A&M, where he was a Business graduate and a proud Aggie. While at Texas A&M, Bruce met the love of his life, Lisa Kinney, and they were married in November 1980. (Bruce later regretted getting married on the opening day of bird-hunting season!). They started their lives together in Houston, TX. with moves to Boulder, CO, Seattle, WA, Austin TX, and on more than one occasion, found themselves relocating back to their favorite Colorado playground.
Ever the true Salesman, Bruce held key positions in Sales Training & Management, and soon earned his way to a top position as VP of International Sales for NBI in Boulder & Seattle. Despite a very successful career in high tech, his true love was in real estate. What began as a sideline hobby soon progressed to a full-time real estate investment career.
Bruce & Lisa began their latest chapter in Silverthorne, CO, where he enjoyed fishing, golfing, boating, snow skiing, and traveling. Bruce's "happy place" was his other home in Rhea, OK where he spent summers growing up and later inherited the family ranch as the 4th generation owner. His "red barn" became his sanctuary. Moreover, the red barn took on new meaning as Bruce launched a mens ministry in Oklahoma to lead men to a deeper relationship with God. He realized his purpose as a "fisher of men" through that ministry. As Bruce believed, "men may not go to church, but they might go to a barn".
Bruce was a devoted husband and brother, son and uncle, with wisdom, passion about his strong faith, and commitment to family. He lived out his Christian faith every day, was a hard worker, fun-loving and gifted with a quick wit. He intentionally poured into the lives of many "adopted kids" & nephews of the next generation. He taught us what it meant to be a wonderful role model, and shaped our lives profoundly. His was a life well lived.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Okie. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, sister Carla & (husband) Jay Pennington, numerous nieces & nephews, and many loving family members.
Bruce will be so very missed by his wife of 45 years, his little girl Dolly (Bruce's 16 year old, faithful 4-legged companion who never left his side), and his extended loving family.
His life will be honored and remembered at First Baptist Church in Leedey, Oklahoma on May 3, at 10:30 am, followed by a lunch reception at the Rice's Red Barn in Rhea, OK. We welcome all who can join us to share a memory, recall one of his jokes or tell a story, as there were many.
In lieu of flowers, reach out to a neighbor, meet a new friend, make someone laugh, enjoy life to its fullest, or give to one of the following charities. Bruce would like that.
Leedey First Baptist Church (405 E 4th, Leedey, OK 73654)
Leedey Fire Department (PO Box 3, Leedey, OK 73654)
support@wildatheart.org
Bruce, we love you and will miss you more than words can ever say. You have given us gifts that are more precious than anything in this world. May flights of angels carry you home.