Don Michael Bice

Don Michael Bice, Sr., 77, of Texarkana, TX, beloved partner, father, grandfather, and friend, slipped the surly bonds of Earth on Thursday, December 23, 2021, after a brave and valiant battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving partner of 25 years, Sandra Mullens, sons Don M. Bice, II and fianceè Jennifer Ransom, and Stephen Brent Bice and wife Gretchen, all of Austin; Dr. Rod Elliot-Mullens and wife Dr. Danette Elliot-Mullens of Salem, OR; Adam Mullens of Texarkana; daughters Angela Clayton of Texarkana; and Deana Lunsford of Dallas. He is preceded in death by his sons Jon Aaron Bice of Pleasanton, CA; and Mark Mullens of Texarkana; as well as his parents Charles Milton and Lola Mae Bice of Stephens, AR; and brothers Charles and Johnny Bice. He is survived by his numerous adoring grandchildren: Chad Bice and wife Leyna of Richmond, VA; Katie Bice of Colorado Springs, CO; Charles Ransom Rice of Austin; Ava and Maxwell Bice of Pleasanton, CA; Jackson and Makena Bice of Dallas; Brigitte and Vivian Bice of Austin; Lauren Elliot-Mullens of Salem, OR; Austin Clayton of Texarkana; Leah Lunsford of Dallas; and Makayla Mullens of Texarkana.

Born in Memphis, TN, on March 30, he grew up in Watson Chapel and Stephens, AR, the youngest of three spirited boys. He grew up exploring the great outdoors and riding his bicycle all over town. Don was a celebrated storyteller. He regaled the grandchildren with stories that often began, “Did I ever tell you about the time…”. One of his favorite tales to share was the time he was impaled by the handlebars of his bicycle after being hit by a car while riding his bike across the street. He was a proud member of the Stephens High School Class of 1962, where he played coronet in the marching band, and served as drum major. He later served in the Arkansas National Guard and was a 44-year veteran of International Paper where he worked as a superintendent before retiring in 2012.

In 2004, he was first diagnosed with cancer and given less than a 5 percent chance of survival. Some 20 years later, he expressed gratitude every day he “woke up on this side of the dirt” for the years he lived on what he referred to as “borrowed time.” His positivity and gregarious nature were infectious. Everyone who spent time with him walked away happier and smiling. He loved life and loved to laugh. His tall tales were peppered with colorful language that brought a laugh to even the most prudish of listeners.

He and Sandy enjoyed dancing and listening to music. He was a great cook, carpenter, and gunsmith, and a legendary water skier in his younger years. An avid fisherman, you could oftentimes find him on the water at Lake Wright Patman trolling for crappie. But long before he was at home on the water, he loved to tell the story of when he was first learning to swim and almost drown. He was at a local swimming hole with flippers on. When he lost a flipper, he says he sunk to the bottom and was sure he was drowning. Instead of panicking, he started walking, until he walked right out of the swimming hole and onto the shore. Don was also an ardent reader and a lifelong learner, all traits and interests he passed on to his sons and shared with his grandchildren.

Don was a fiercely loyal friend to many. When he wasn’t fishing, you would oftentimes find him strolling the aisles of his local Lowe’s or Sam’s, stopping every few feet to greet someone he knew. He had a helper’s heart and was always willing to lend a hand to friends in need. He was forever enamored with his Sandy and credited her as his rock and his heart. His absence will leave an irreparable hole in the hearts of those who knew him.

Memorial services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 28, at 2 p.m., at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane, 2807 Moores Lane, in Texarkana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eastfuneralhomes.com for the Bice family.