Michael Todd Rice
August 1, 1952 – December 11, 2015
Michael Todd Rice, age 63, passed away at his home on Friday, December 11, 2015, with his loving wife Cindy by his side. Mike was born on August 1, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio. He was a longtime resident of Midwest City and Edmond, Okla.
Mike is survived by the love of his life of 43 years, Cynthia Lynn Rice, two loving and devoted children, Justin A. Rice (Kara) and Anna J. Rice whom he adored, and two cherished grandchildren, Olivia Grace Rice and Harvey Blaise Rice—all of Edmond, Okla.; older brother Marshall (Judy) Rice of St. Cloud, Florida, two nephews Matthew Rice (Kellie), Jonathan Rice and one niece, Bethany Spenn (Jacob); he was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Irene Rice and much-loved sister Valerie Rice, mother of his two surviving nieces Rachael Rice and Fern Pittman (Cory). Mike is also survived by his sister-in-law Teri McCarthy (Daryl) of Kansas City, her family as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins, and other loving family members and friends too numerous to count. All who knew him loved him.
Mike graduated from Choctaw High School in 1971, where he excelled in wrestling and football. He went on to complete two years of biology at Oklahoma State University. After completing all the requirements of a journeyman, Mike became a licensed master carpenter. He and Cindy started Mike Rice Construction Company, Inc., in 1986. Mike was a well-respected businessman and was highly successful as a general contractor. He was known in the Oklahoma City area as a man of integrity who always kept his word. Mike was a true outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and keeping a fire pit going. Mike was a great storyteller with a quick wit and a warm sense of humor. He had a profound faith in Jesus Christ and was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and joy. He affirmed the marginalized, was generous beyond measure to all and regularly fed the homeless out of his own resources and encouraged all who came in contact with him. He died while reading his morning scriptures with Cindy as they had done every morning for more than 30 years.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 15, at 10 AM at Frontline Church Downtown, 1104 N. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla., 73103, and a Family and Friends night will be held, Monday, December 14, 6:00-8:00, at Matthew’s Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, Okla., 73003.
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to City Rescue Mission, 800 W. California, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73106, (405) 232-2709, www.cityrescue.org; Infant Crisis Services, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105, (405) 528-3663, www.infantcrisis.org ; Jesus House, 1335 W. Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City, Okla., 73106, (405) 232-7164, www.jesushouseokc.org.
Michael Todd Rice, age 63, passed away at his home on Friday, December 11, 2015, with his loving wife Cindy by his side. Mike was born on August 1, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio. He was a longtime resident of Midwest City and Edmond, Okla.
Mike and I established a business relationship not long after he began his general contracting company nearly 30 years ago. Because of his honesty and integrity that relationship soon became one of personal friendship.
Mike would sometimes stop by my office mornings with coffee in hand. We would often reminiscence about adventures in the construction trade, family, and sometimes just life in general. I will sorely miss those conversations, the memories will have to do.
It was a privilege to be considered a friend.
In sorrow,
Darrell
Always fair, always honest, always loyal and as hard working as anyone I know. I worked with Mike for 16 years and enjoyed every opportunity. Thanks Mike. I’m going to miss you.