Brian Harper Rice

March 22, 1972 - January 17, 2019

Brian Harper Rice Brian Harper Rice, 46, of Bartlesville, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019, peacefully in his home in Bartlesville. Childhood Brian was born the son of Dianne (Harper) Shackleton and Mike Rice on March 22, 1972, in Bartlesville. He was raised alongside Michael who was just two years older than him. Growing up, Brian spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his grandfather Bob (“Dad”) and Michael who became a brother to him. He started shooting at such a young age that often the kick of the shotgun knocked him off of his feet. Their many adventures instilled his lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and bird dogs. Brian was a protective older brother to his sister, Kerrie. Even though they fought like siblings do, he went out of his way to make sure she was taken care of in every way. Brian and Michael often harassed Kerrie when she wanted to play with them; from rubber band guns to bb guns she was often encouraged to leave them to themselves. He was kind hearted and mischievous all in one. Work life Brian always had an impeccable work ethic. He cut grass with a push mower in a neighborhood that was hills before he was able to obtain a “real” job. Brian’s first job was working at a pizza place in Lilburn, Georgia. He rode his bicycle to work until he earned enough to buy a Dodge Coronet that didn’t have reverse. He worked on that car in every spare moment. Brian graduated from Bartlesville High School in 1990. After high school, he had a few odd jobs here and there and then he found his place in the oil and gas industry. This position allowed him to travel all over the United States. He started at the bottom and through hard work and dedication he became district manager at Team Industrial Services. He spent most of his career in this position. Family Life Brian always put others first, from protecting his little sister to helping his step grandmother, Wilma, build an outdoor shower at her beach house. Always taking charge and willing to help, he was assisting his mom with backing up the beast of station wagon she drove and she ran over his leg, twice. Even though he was injured by helping he never stopped. He was a hard worker at heart and when he wasn’t working at his job he was working at home or for family. He was a caregiver and protecting of all that he cared for and that carried over when he acquired his own family. In 2001 Brian met the love of his life, Mariam. As the story goes, by chance Brian and Mariam bumped carts in the biscuit aisle of a grocery store and a lifelong romance was sparked. Brian knew that marrying Mariam meant accepting the challenge of loving and raising her children as his own. In 2002 Brian asked Mariam to marry him, and she said yes. Brian then moved Mariam and her four children into the home his Grandfather L.G. Rice built in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Soon after, their fifth child, Brooke Marie Rice, entered the picture, and their family was complete. Brian and Mariam enjoyed hunting and fishing together and remodeling their home. Mariam preceded him in death on October 20, 2012, after just nine short years of loving marriage. He was a loving father and passed his work ethic and love for the outdoors onto his children. Passions Brian’s passions in life included family, followed closely by hunting, fishing and bird dogs - most notably LeRoy his favorite hunting dog. Brian loved to take his family to the lake. Many hot summer days were spent on the lake in a boat tubing. Brian was also very generous. Brian loved to feed others. He often would invite family over for a meal of delicious grilled steak, chicken, and shrimp. Brian freely gave his time and resources to others and was always willing to share his talents with anyone who needed help. He was mechanically inclined and was often the first person to call if you were having trouble with your car. Brian enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and even included them on his hunting and fishing trips. Brian passing leaves a massive hole in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed. Brian is survived by his five children, Brooke Rice of Bartlesville , Ziva Cooper and Clay of Dewey, Jessica King of Tulsa, Zachary Kennedy of Tulsa, and Megan Kennedy of Dewey, and; father Mike Rice of Bartlesville; mother Dianne Shackleton and David of Lawrenceville, GA; sister Kerrie Rice of Atlanta, GA; maternal grandfather Bob Harper of Bartlesville; Brother Michael Harper and Robin of Ochelata; as well as five grandchildren, Sophia, Clifton, Daneyl, Micha and Daisy; and a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, paternal grandparents L.G. and Dorothy Rice, and maternal grandmother Norma Yvonne Harper. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10-8 at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Road in Bartlesville. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Walker Brown Chapel, with Pastor Dan Denison officiating. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.