William "Bill" Rice

William A. Rice

aka Bill, Billy or Billy Bob

July 21, 1941 – December 29, 2011

William “Bill” Rice (70) of Lakewood, CO passed away in an unfortunate snowmobiling accident in Wyoming on December 29th. He was born in Neligh, NE, the son of Albert and Frances Rice, brother of Dwayne (Jan) Rice and was raised in Clarks, Nebraska on the family farm where he learned his work ethic and resourcefulness. To this day, he still owns farm land in Nebraska. Bill’s wife Susie, his son Danny, his daughter Denise, son-in-law Larry, and his three grandchildren Savanna, Ryan and Nick were always actively involved in every facet of his life.

Bill’s love of motorsports began at an early age and continued throughout his life. Drag Racing was his first passion and continued with off-road racing. He participated as a driver, crew chief, financier, spectator and all-around mechanic and mentor to many. Bill was inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2009 and although he didn’t win any national races, championships, or Wally’s, the induction was the most deserved honor he received. He raced the Baja three times finishing as high as 8th and continued to attend the race as a spectator until joining the Strobel Motorsports Team. He was proud that he never missed a race there in over 30 plus years. On a professional level in drag racing, Bill raced the NHRA circuit in 23 cities, including Canada. In the early 80’s Bills journey continued in the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Series with a very competitive winning car. All the while he still enjoyed other passions like snowmobiling and ATV riding up until his passing. Bill was also very involved in Savanna’s Junior Drag Racing career and Nick and Ryan’s many sporting endeavors. Anyone that knew Bill knew he was very resourceful and creative. If Bill didn’t have it, it didn’t exist. It wasn’t uncommon for Bill and his friends to create what was needed to get the job done. Bigger, Better, Faster, Louder . . . that was Bill’s motto!

Bill enriched many lives over the years through his diverse interests and passion for life. He will be dearly missed by his family and countless friends.

Celebration of Life

Services will be held on January 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Mile High Church, 9077 W. Alameda, Lakewood, CO 80226. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Red & Jerry's at Santa Fe & Oxford immediately following the service.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to DRAW (Drag Racing Association of Women), 4 Hance Drive, Charleston, IL 61920, www.drawfasthelp.org or your favorite charity.