Robert "Boat Bob" L. Rice's Obituary
Robert L. Rice, “Boat Bob”, age 85 passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. Robert was born in Wellsburg, West Virginia on December 30, 1937, to Herbert and Pauline Rice.
Robert proudly served in the United States Army From July 1, 1955, to October 3, 1975, and retired after 21 years of service and bravely served in the Vietnam War.
Robert lived a full life, he had a fiberglass repair business over the years, and he could build and repair anything- boats, cars, and planes, and anything else you could imagine. He held a private pilot license and enjoyed flying to the Caribbean frequently. He was a deputy sheriff for Broward County and proudly served and protected his local community.
Boat Bob enjoyed a full life- he loved to fish and travel and would travel the country with his wife and dogs in his Winnebago. He enjoyed good food, great company, and a cold beer.
Most of all he loved his family, always putting them first.
He is survived by his wife; Warapan Rice, Daughters; Sandra Rice-Lum (husband, Nelson) and Debra Rice. Stepchildren; Rak, Ronnie, and Rose Noisuwan. His brother James Daniel Rice (wife Anita) and his five grandchildren; Meagan Rice, Christian McCormick, Jordan McCormick, Garrett Lehner, and Anistyn Lum; two great-grandchildren Roman and Tessa.
Preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Pauline Rice, his first wife Asako Rice, daughter, Patricia McCormick, and sister Jane Cunningham.
A Celebration of Roberts's life will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 12:00 Noon, with Military honors, at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home 823 N.W. 143 Street Newberry, Fl.
For those who wish memorials may be made in Roberts's Memory to the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND AT WWW.VVMF.ORG
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