Bob J. Rice

Bob J. Rice, 80, of Fort Smith, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022. He was born on November 15, 1941. He is preceded in death by parents, V.W. Rice and Faye Rice Collier; brother-in-law, George Aven and a son-in-law, Chris Wandrey. Survived by wife of 59 years, Phyllis R. Rice. Daughters Jenny Rice Finney (Clayton) of Houston, TX and Amy Rice Wandrey of Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren Liam and Claire Finney; sister Judy Aven, niece René Smith (Michael), and nephew Bruce Aven (Lisa), all of Bartlett, TN.

Bob was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, serving as a deacon and was in Tom Bull’s Sunday School class. He was a former group leader in Bible Study Fellowship for many years. A man of faith, Bob was secure in his salvation and his place in eternity with the Lord.

In Bob’s early life, his parents owned the V.W. Rice Grocery and Market which featured a service station on Midland Blvd. A 1959 graduate of Fort Smith High School, he earned a business degree from the University of Arkansas in 1965. After graduation, Bob joined Gerber Baby Food and spent his career in purchasing, retiring from there in 1999.

In retirement, he enjoyed going to breakfast every Wednesday morning with close friends in the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. When Bob liked you, he likely had a clever, but endearing nickname for you that he might use to greet you (Hello, Navin!). He loved to tease and liked to surprise unsuspecting kids around him by making Donald Duck sounds. Bob was well liked and had many friends.

Bob thrived on the thrill of the hunt for a good deal and his hobby in retirement was selling unique antiques on eBay. A sports enthusiast, he was an avid Razorback fan and had been known to dominate the racquetball court. He enjoyed listening to music from the 50s and 60s including Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Roger Miller. He loved food, was fond of various hot sauces, discovering new restaurants, and revisiting old favorites with friends. He even had a custom order at Diamond Head restaurant on Midland Blvd called the Bob Rice Special.

A devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and true friend, Bob will be missed by all.

Family will greet friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 2:00pm Wednesday at First Baptist Church, with the interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Pre-School and Children’s Ministry, P.O. Box 609, Fort Smith, AR 72902.