Bradley D. Rice

Bradley Dean Rice, 72, died Sunday, May 1, at his home after a yearlong battle with chronic pain. Brad was born August 22, 1943, to the late Rodney and late Dorotha (Leonard) Rice. He attended Findlay High School where he played football, graduating in 1961. Brad married Barbara J. Thomas on May 11, 1963, and she survives in Bloomdale. Brad worked for Frankhouser Flooring, Cooper Tire, and retired after 30 years from Whirlpool Corporation. He and Barb traveled regularly after retirement, oftentimes on a whim and "flipping a penny" to determine which direction they would head. They've collected hundreds of postcards and stories from their adventures all over the US from Coast to Coast. Brad was first and foremost a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. His family and friends will tell you, he never met a stranger, talked to everyone, thoroughly enjoyed helping people, and was most definitely the rock of his family. His wife, kids, and grandchildren were the loves of his life and he and Barb were seen regularly at their events wearing school colors, cheering and supporting them at 4-H/fair, quiz bowl, choir, art, athletics, academic banquets and every little life event in between, for each of these events were important and special to Brad. For nearly the past 20 years, "Rice Boot Camp" has been an annual weeklong summer event, where all eleven grandchildren (as they came along!) would stay with Grandma and Grandpa to enjoy each other as cousins, plan activities, and attend special events and outings. As one would guess, family gatherings were extremely important to Brad. Extended families looked forward to the annual Rice/Thomas Picnics held at the farm, and there were many years where relatives traveled from near and far to attend, eat great food, participate in many silly games and competitions, toast marshmallows over a campfire, and shoot fireworks at the end of the day. Brad was extremely loyal to his family, and he, Barb, their children and grandchildren created many life-long memories by spending time with each other on regular trips, vacations, and holidays (who can forget the Hocking Hills Pencil Sharpener Museum?) Brad was a huge sports fan, with his favorite teams including the Ohio State Buckeyes, University of Findlay Oilers, the Cleveland Browns, and the Mount Union Purple Raiders. In addition to sports, Brad enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with his sons, brothers, nephews, and grandchildren. These trips have become legendary and have been referenced in many different versions over the years, depending on who tells the story. Brad was honest, kind, patient, humble, and hard working. He was also incredibly handy, taking on many projects around the house. You could always count on him to be available for sound advice and/or having the right tool for the job. In his shop, the grandchildren were convinced they could "make anything"! Brad is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Barbara; his children, Beth (Robert) Stewart, Bloomdale, OH; Bruce (Stefanie) Rice, Hilliard, OH; Brian (Cindy) Rice, Tampa, FL; and Brenda (Jeff) Endicott, Van Buren, OH; 11 grandchildren, Cory (Lisa), Shannon, and Austin Stewart; Andy and Caroline Rice; McKenzie and Nick Rice; and Julia, Madison, Mitchell, and Sophie Endicott; his brothers Phillip Rice, Burlington, NC; Rodney (Barbara) Rice, Tupelo, MS; sister, Jan (Jay) Okuly, Forest, OH; and countless loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and both his sister and husband, Sue (William) Cline. At Brad's request, his body will be cremated and no services will be held. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500) has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a "Pay-It-Forward" act of kindness, as that is how we remember him...helping others. If you'd like to share your favorite memory or experience with him in his honor, please send a card or email to an immediate family member so we can compile, as we are becoming more aware of the countless lives he's touched. For those of you who knew Brad, you realize these short paragraphs do not even begin to describe how much he meant to us, and the deep hole we now have in our hearts. And for those of you who didn't know him, we hope these words can give a glimpse of how very much he was loved.