Buddy W. Rice

February 14, 1944 - February 14, 2016

Bud “Buddy” Rice, 72 of Pueblo, CO passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on his birthday, February 14, 2016 in Surprise, AZ surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife, of 39 years, Brucine. His children, Troy (Chana) Trimble, Ty (Kristi Graham) Rice, Willard M. Rice all of Pueblo, CO, Shanon (Stanley) Conley of Cripple Creek, CO, Jandra (Jan) Cooley of Colorado Springs, CO, Reith (Kyle) Tucker of Satellite Beach, FL, David (Bebe) Ziegler of Cheyenne, WY; also survived by his sister, Billie Jo Rice; and Uncle Elmer “Bud” Plumlee, both of Colorado Springs, CO. Bud was the proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Also survived by many special family members and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Marie Rice and granddaughter Samantha Victoria Rice. Bud was born in Colorado Springs, CO on February 14, 1944 to Willard and Marie Rice. He graduated from Wasson High School in 1962. Starting from a young age, Bud worked along side his father in the family business, Rice & Rice Inc. Once his father retired, Bud, at the age of 22 took over the family business. Rice & Rice, Inc. grew under Bud’s direction as he built long-term relationships based on honesty, trust and integrity, most of which continue today. He was passionate about the industry until he “retired” in 2001. After retirement, Bud and Bru have enjoyed traveling the country visiting family and friends, being “snowbirds” in Arizona and spending time with each other. Retirement allowed Bud time to pursue his many other passions. He could often be found downloading some of his 2,000+ songs or researching his family history and genealogy. He loved classic cars and history. He was a staunch Republican and believed strongly in conservative values. Bud could often be found on the golf course or on the dance floor, with most or all of these being done with a martini in hand. His most important and greatest enjoyment after retirement was spending time with his family and friends. His heart was bigger than Texas and he would do anything for those he loved. He will always be remembered for his signature “Hello, darlin’, how are you” followed by a big hug and kiss. Bud was respected, admired and active in the communities he worked and lived. He served as President of Colorado Contractors Association, an AGC Member, President of Pueblo Country Club, Member of Pueblo County Zoning Board, Colorado State Fair Livestock Committee, BPOE Elks Lodge #90 Member, El Paso Club member, El Paso County Homebuilders Association, Pueblo Homebuilders Association, PEDCO, Proud NRA Member, Western National Bank Board Member and a National Street Rod Association Member. Visitation will be 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Tuesday, Feb 23, 2016 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, February 24 at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81001. Reception immediately following at the Pueblo Country Club, 3200 8th Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81008. Private graveside service. Please feel free to wear your Wranglers, jeans, western wear and boots in Bud’s honor. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bud’s honor to Wounded Warriors, Crossroads Turning Points Pueblo at coloradogives.org, or Latigo Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation Colorado Springs.