William Henry "Bill" Trice, III
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Apr 10th, 2014
- Death Date: Apr 10, 2014
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Biography: William Henry "Bill" Trice III, 67, of Little Rock, AR passed away Thursday, April 10, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 19, 1946 in Vicksburg, MS, the only son of Rev. William Henry Trice, Jr. and Dr. Ethel Preston Trice. Bill graduated from Fayetteville High School before earning a BA and JD from the University of Arkansas. A University Cheerleader and a brother in the Acacia Fraternity, he loved the Razorbacks and his life on the mountain. Bill always seemed to have a black flare pen and yellow legal pad on him. He began his law career as Deputy Prosecutor for Pulaski County before entering into private practice with Senator Max Howell and Dale Price, to whom he is ever grateful for teaching him about life, politics, and the law. He served as president in the early days of the Arkansas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and on the Board of Governors of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association. He represented the Arkansas State Medical Board since 1989, as well as the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and Arkansas State Board of Optometry since 1991. The members of these boards were totally dedicated to improving the delivery of good health care to the citizens of Arkansas and it was his honor to help them. Accomplishments aside, Bill was a "street lawyer" in his heart and practicing out of their offices across from the courthouse was a joy with partners like Kevin O'Dwyer, Win Wilson and, most importantly, his long time friend Ron Hope. Bill might have enjoyed his practice the most when the law intersected with politics. A die-hard Democrat and political junkie, he loved working the lobbies of the State Legislature with his friend Paul Berry as well as diving into a campaign. He especially cherished his front-row seat to history as an Arkansas Traveler for the campaigns of our 42nd President. Bill served in Active Duty and the Reserves of the United States Army and the Arkansas Army National Guard from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years. He maintained great respect for those who serve our country so selflessly. He was a life-long member of the Masonic Fraternity, having received the 33 Degree of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, the Red Cross of Constantine of the York Rite, and the Medal of Honor of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. He was also a member and served as attorney for the Scimitar Shrine Temple and he was Director of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 12. Bill loved to spend time in New York City, seeing Broadway shows and eating spaghetti with red clam sauce. He loved traveling anywhere with his wife and their dear friends Jane and Bill Arthurs, often on their shared wedding anniversaries. But the joy and color of Bill's life was experienced most when directing, choreographing, writing, or performing in productions at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the Community Theatre of Little Rock, The Weekend Theatre, the Barn Players in Rumson, NJ, and the Arkansas Bar Association's "Gridiron" shows. He appreciated all who ever worked on any of his shows, in any way, for sharing their talents and energies. A lifelong Christian, his relationship with Christ was learned and made possible through worship and service in the Episcopal Church since law school. He was a long time member of the choirs at Trinity Cathedral and St. Margaret's Episcopal Church and he served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden of St. Margaret's. He enjoyed spending a week every summer at Subiaco Abbey with the staff of the AIC Choir Camp. Bill was preceded in death by his father and very recently by his mother as well as his life-long friend, Gary Barket. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 38 years, Judy Edwards Trice; as well as three children- Kathryn Pryor of Little Rock, Jeffrey Pryor of Fort Smith, and William "Will" Trice of New York, NY; three grandchildren- Aaron Pryor of Fayetteville, Andrew Pryor of Fort Smith, and Robert Pryor of Little Rock; sister-in-law Carlyn Yancey and brother-in-law Samuel Edwards & wife Cloyes; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as adopted family members Leslie Minelli and John Pettengill. The family deeply thanks Drs. Joseph Beck, Lynn Davis, and Kevin Hefner for their dedicated service, as well as special caregiver David Williams, Jr. Bill's honorary pallbearers will be William Arthurs, Dr. Joseph Beck, Paul Berry, Samuel Edwards, Earnest Franklin, Ronald Hope, Dr. Ray Jouett, Kevin O'Dwyer, Everett Rowland, and Ralph "Win" Wilson. Visitation will be on Monday, April 14 from 5-7pm at Doe's Eat Place in Little Rock. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 2pm at Christ Episcopal Church followed by a columbarium internment at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, both in Little Rock. Bill cherished the Church as well as the performing arts in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (for which he served on the Board of Directors), the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and/or The Weekend Theatre. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
Martha Anne and I offer our sincere condolences for the loss of Bill. We had no idea of the many things he accomplished in his life. A very talented man who passed away too soon. We try to keep up with Will's career and recently read he had received another Tony award. Bravo!
Fondly, Bill and Martha Anne
I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I was thinking of him recently (specifically his typically energetic performance of "Thank You Very Much" from when we performed in "Scrooge" at the Arts Center together). Bill, of coruse, was a wonderful talent and a truly kind and giving man. My condolences to all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. But rejoice in the knowledge that he is free of all suffering, and a part of that splendid cast known as the Heavenly Host. Bill was an inspiration to me and so many of the Masons who enjoy our ritualistic work in the Fraternity. He was always so organized and prepared. But, never too busy, or self-importasnt, to take time to mentor a newer, usually younger, Mason. I will miss him, dearly.
Bill was a great man and respected by all who knew him.
He served his community, state, and profession well. He will be sorely missed.
Joe Deatherage
This was a man I called my friend as well as a quality, fellow attorney. Bill was, simply stated - a good man. I am reminded of the lyrics of a long ago melody from the Civil War era..
"You are judged by what you do,
while passing through..."
Because I know Bill Trice was a gentleman of strong Christian faith, I include one more portion of those lyrics -
"We will meet again,
where the angels learn to fly."
My sincerest sympathies to his family and host of friends.
I was fortunate to see him at the past ASMB meeting and I could tell he was truly happy to be there. Never missing a beat with the rules and regulations on each issue.What a smart and talented man. Prayers to the family and all that worked with him as I know he will be missed dearly.
Cheryl Allison
ABCBS
george newbern
I was fortunate to have been able to work with Bill during my time as the Director of Pharmacy and Drug Control with the Arkansas Department of Health. We were the investigators for the Medical Board, and I had many conversations with Bill. He was smart, easy to get along with, and fair with his instructions .
Bless you all in this time of grief.
I am so sorry for your loss. Judy and Bill made such a difference to my children--Maggie went to choir camp for eight summers. Love and prayers.
Joetta Duke
Worked at The Agency
My heart breaks at the loss of your Bill. He was a one of a kind, lovely, generous soul. My boys and I treasure the time that we had with him every summer at Subiaco. Dearest Bill...you taught us to laugh, to live life to the fullest and the show must go on(lesson learned in the choir camp show which had "La Cucaracha"..with Nick Kienzle as the "Roach". Due to a mis cue by the high school girls...the roach was run over by 10 high school girls as they exited and he entered the stage. You picked him up, dusted him off, and told him he was alright...and to get back on the stage in his "starring" role as the roach...Thank you, Bill..for everything. We will miss you so much.
He will be missed terribly.
My deepest condolences.
Sincerely, Jessica Mougeot
Aside from this Bill was a mentor of sorts to my son and took him out to lunch and counseled the young lawyer when he completed the bar. My son, like Bill works as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Pulaski County and is so thankful and grateful for Bill. We will miss him.
Harold Betton
Working as a freelance court reporter in the '90s, I soon learned that Bill was a hard-hitter, someone whose reputation was solid among his peers and respected by all. He was one of those who didn't have to seek approval. He knew he was guided by the right stuff and most everyone accepted that as accurate. He was funny, really funny, the kind of person everyone wanted to be in earshot of. His knowledge of law was so ingrained that there was a certain ease of conduct that was simply enviable. It bothered me to see he's no longer there, walking from Spring Street to the courthouse, always well equipped to serve those who needed superb counsel. Bye, Bill.
Mary Ridenhour