Bill Rice

Bill was enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard as Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1962.  He was then employed by Leflore County Wholesale (which later became Cherry Wholesale) until 1977.  He then worked for J.C. Potter Sausage Company retiring at the age of 62 after 25 years of service and earning salesman of the year on two different occasions.  

Billy Ed Rice was born on June 1, 1939 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Emma Elizabeth (Clayborn) Rice and John Lewis Rice and passed away on December 1, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was married to Wanda Jean (Morris) Rice on November 21, 1962. She preceded him in death on November 7, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Wynema Medley, Donna Sue Latta, Mary Seymore and Molly Harrison. He loved a beautiful sunrise, a hot cup of Folgers Coffee, a sunny (but not hot) day. He enjoyed driving to places he hadn’t been before and seeing the beauty of the outdoors. Bill enjoyed watching Andy Griffith, NFL, NCAA football, and favorite movies such as “Christmas Story” and “Christmas Vacation”. He loved a good home cooked meal and enjoyed gathering with friends whenever he could to share a meal and a good story. Bill loved the Lord and read his Bible daily often texting a Bible verse each day to many people.

Survivors include his daughter; Kara Westhoff and husband Jim, son; Kelly Rice and wife Amy, sister; Shirley Brannon and husband Tommy, grandchildren; Rachel Rice and fiance’ Kent Graham, Jonathan Rice, Nathan Rice, Seth Rice, Jade Westhoff and fiance’ Nick Smith, Kevin Westhoff, Kaitlin Westhoff, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Brooks, Jonathan Rice, Nathan Rice, Seth Rice, Kevin Westhoff, and Mark Smith.