DARRYL “BUDDY” TICE
DARRYL “BUDDY” TICE
Buddy was born on November 8,1947 to Lester and Edith Tice in Houston, Texas. After graduating from high school, he became a Houston Firefighter, where he served his community with unwavering courage and commitment for several years. After suffering a serious injury in the line of duty that forced him to retire, he started a new career in Occupational Health and Safety.
Buddy’s greatest accomplishments
weren’t in the fire department nor in the safety field. They were his sons and grandchildren whom he loved so deeply. No words can adequately express the joy that they brought him and the bond that they shared. His devotion to them and their devotion to him was a priceless gift that will continue like ripples in the water.
Buddy was a life-long fisherman and storyteller. He and his parents and brother, Richard, built a house at Indianola, Texas that is still standing strong and serves as a family gathering place for fishing or walking along the beach. Many stories were told around the kitchen table, with more to come. A lifetime of memories fill that house.
Buddy’s love for life and his commitment to God can be seen in the profound joy he had in being a foster father for eight years when he and his wife opened their hearts and home to children in need. He loved making a difference in children’s lives.
Buddy was an animal lover. His little dog Nola was always at his side. He also let his wife keep baby goats in the house, complete with diapers, a testament to his loving and playful nature.
The last three years of his life were a struggle for him, but he did notcomplain. He showed his family the meaning of dying with dignity. When he could no longer see, the phone with earbuds became his lifeline to the outside world. He loved talking to his friends about the farm, politics, God, and the Astros. The Texas Talking Books for the Blind allowed him to read with his ears, and he rediscovered the joy of reading. His grandchildren taught him how to use Siri and Alexa, so he had sounds all around him every day. He faced each day with faith and grace, knowing that he was headed for eternal rest in Heaven.
Darryl is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Edith, and his brothers Richard and Ronnie. He is survived by his wife Renae and their sons Josh Tice, Kellum Tice and wife Natalie, Matthew Tice and wife Sandra and Kris Graves. He is survived by the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Isabel, Jacob, and Michael Tice. He is survived by his sisterin- law Vivian Tice, and his nephew Ryan Tice, niece Tara and husband Freddie and great nephews Konnor and Tuckor. He is survived by his brother Les Tice and wife Julia, and his sister Diane. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of a well lived life was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Rock Island VFD Community Center (Blue Building), 2710 Nile Street, Rock Island, Texas 77470 with a reception to follow. Please feel free to wear casual clothing, perhaps even a fishing shirt, and come by and tell stories.
The family wishes to thank the Colorado County Fire Department, Colorado County Sheriff Department, and Justice of the Peace Don Clark, for their kindness in our time of grief. It did not go unnoticed.
Memorial gifts can be given to Gertrude’s Orphanage in Haiti, where he and Renae sponsor a young girl named Nancy. The address is Notre Maison, _ First United Methodist Church of Kearney, 1000 E. St. HWY 92 Kearney, MO 64060 or Annunciation House, P.O. Box 11189, El Paso, Texas 79995.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.