Bob Sterling Rice

Graveside services for Bob Sterling Rice, of Soper, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. Dec. 15, 2020 at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Soper. Bob passed away Dec. 11, 2020, at the age of 71.

Bob Sterling Rice was born in Boswell, Okla., on Sept. 30, 1949 to Lois and Melvin Rice. He spent most of his childhood in Boswell but later moved to Soper. In 1975 he married his wife of 45 years, Denise Morris Rice. They had one child, a son, Dusty Rice.

Bob worked in the construction field for many years until 1999 when he started his own dozer business. In 2005, his son, Dusty joined him. Bob loved operating a dozer, and for 21 years he dug ponds, cleared fence rows, and made house pads and roads. His handiwork can be seen all over Choctaw county.

Bob loved to bow hunt, but could also be found at Paris Drag Strip helping and watching his son run their red Nova. Bob loved his friends and would spend a lot of time visiting. In later years, Bob’s passion became his granddaughters. They were his world, and he would travel far and near to watch them play softball. He would also attend their rodeos, but was always relieved when they had completed their runs. Bob spent time taking them hunting, fishing and camping.

Bob was of the Christian faith and attended the Riverside Unity Church. His relationship with the Lord was essential when he began his journey with cancer. Bob fought long and hard for 10 months, but lost his battle on Dec. 11. His wife, son, daughter-in law and granddaughters were present when he gained his heavenly wings. He will be painfully missed by all.

Bob is survived by his wife, Denise; son, Dusty Rice and wife; brothers: Gale Rice and wife of Antlers, Okla., and Gary Smith of Soper; sisters: Paula Lowrance and husband of Soper and Carla Tyson of Sherman, Texas; four grandchildren, along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.

Bro. Tim Harless officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.