Robert “Bob” Charles Rice was born on August 25,1944, at Capitol Hill General Hospital in OKC, OK to Leslie and Esther Rice. Bob was a proud Norman resident his entire life, growing up on S. Flood Street, next to Norman Firehouse #2 and Lions Park. It was here that he formed many of his best childhood memories while attending McKinley Elementary, playing with neighborhood friends, and becoming the City of Norman Junior Tennis Champ. Bob could often be found next door with the local fireman, where he affectionately earned the special nickname, “Dip.” Bob graduated from Norman High School in 1962 and then attended Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, OK, where he graduated with a degree in Lithography. Bob took great pride in his lifelong printing career, beginning his first job with Hooper Printing, where he worked in the bindery. He later joined the Transcript Press in Norman in 1960. He began his career in the back doing etching and plating, then later moved into sales and management. Bob retired as General Manager of the Transcript Press in 2000 after 40 years of dedicated service with a life’s worth of friends.
Bob relished life and was the epitome of a happy man, happiest in his hometown with his family and his pets. He loved all things OU, Norman history, collecting antiques, drag racing, Halloween, beagles, and occasionally schooling neighborhood kids on his driveway basketball court. Bob loved coaching his girls’ teams in basketball and softball when they were growing up. He also enjoyed photography as an extension of his career in the printing business, capturing great photos of OU football, his family, and his town. He loved his community and was actively involved in many organizations. Some of his favorites included The Sooner Lions Club, Norman Chamber of Commerce, and all aspects of Norman History, where he devoted countless hours researching, writing and storytelling. A man of integrity, Bob was a friend to all he met and truly treasured each of these relationships; he delighted in any opportunity to humor or entertain others. Bob met and married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1974. He loved spending time with his daughters and family and later being a very special “GrandBob” to their children.
Bob’s legacy lives on through his loving wife of 44 years, Shirley Rice, his daughter Tracy Murdock, her husband, Darren, and grandsons Myles and Mitchell Murdock; his daughter Terri Rice Welborn, and grandson, Matthew Welborn; and his daughter Angie Martin, her husband Ron, and granddaughter, Gracie Martin. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Leslie H. Rice and Esther Rice, and by his brother James H. Rice. The family would like to graciously thank Dr. Paul Plusquellec, the staff of Autumn Leaves Memory Care and Kindful Hospice Care for their attentiveness and caring during our time with them. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/go/honor-and-memorial-gifts or the Cleveland County Historical Society https://www.normanmuseum.org/.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 1 p.m. at McFarlin United Methodist Church, with a reception directly following. Please feel free to wear your OU spirit wear as a way to celebrate Bob’s life.
Arrangements entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service, Norman, OK. Sign the online guestbook at www.primrosefuneralservice.com
