Willie Ben Rice

Willie Ben Rice was born into this world on January 17, 1933, in Lindsay, OK, to the late Timothy Tandy & Mabel Irene (Hafer) Rice. He passed from this life on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Sulphur, at the age of ninety-three. Willie and the former Ms. Naomi Virginia Lee Pate were united in marriage on September 19, 1953. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2019. Others preceding Willie in death include his three sisters, Bonnie Banks, Jo Ann Johnson, and Yvonne Reed, as well as his brother, Marvin Rice.

Willie grew up in the Lindsay/Erin Springs area. Being the son of a sharecropper, he resided in several places as a child, but Erin Springs was always home to him. During his teenage years, he moved to the Chickasha area where he worked on the family farm, as well as assisted in the operations of a gas station, owned by his brother. Hard work was something Willie never shied away from. He worked hard his entire life.

In his adult life, Willie worked as a truck driver. Throughout his years of truck driving, he worked for several companies. Most noted was his years transporting fuel, followed by hauling oil field equipment for Halliburton. It was during his time with Halliburton he received an award for six million miles driven without an accident. Willie was proud of this accomplishment. After retiring from Halliburton, he decided retirement was not for him, so he began hauling sand and gravel. It was not until the age of eighty-four that Willie, with the help of his insurance company, parked his truck and surrendered to retirement.

In younger years, Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garden, and repairing anything needing attention. Throughout his life he had a love for horses. He was known for being a great storyteller. Those stories were often long, incredibly detailed and delivered in such a way that most could picture in their minds the entire scene.

Willie was one that had his priorities straight in life. First, was God. His love and devotion to Christ led him to serve as a deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent of his church. Second in life came his family. He possessed an unwavering love for his family and spending time with them brought him immense joy and comfort.

Survivors include his three children, Karen Bailey & husband Fred, Kerry Rice & wife Rachellle, and Kelli Marcon; five grandchildren, Jeff Bailey & wife Natalie, Greg Bailey & fiancé Debra, Matt Bailey & wife Hailey, Rachael Boss & husband Daniel, and Chatney Marcon; sixteen great-grandchildren, Cole Bailey & wife Jessie, Corbin Bailey, Rhett Bailey, Molly Bailey, Domanick Bailey & wife Taylor, Briah Bailey, Laden Bailey, Jonah Bailey, Josh Bailey, Liam Bailey, Holden Bailey, Alexis Boss, Dallen Boss, Charlee Boss, Bailey Boss and Gavin Marcon and Cole Marcon; as well as one great-great grandson, Beau Bailey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Oak Grove Church, with Pastor Fred Bailey officiating. Interment will take place at 2:30PM that afternoon at the Erin Spring Cemetery, in Erin Springs, OK. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:00PM on Monday evening at the funeral home.

Services have been "Entrusted To" HALE'S Funeral Home of Sulphur, OK.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.