ROBERT PETER RICE (77), associate producer of award-winning independent black films, like Oscar Micheaux: The Czar of Black Hollywood and Black Seeds: The History of Africans in America, died of congestive heart failure on January 17, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida. He was born on April 5, 1947 in Three Rivers, Michigan to parents Robert Alton and Annie Elizabeth Rice.

He is survived by his wife, Block Starz Music Television producer FRANCES PRESLEY RICE, of Sarasota, Florida, his sister Rosemary Diana Rudd, of Three Rivers, Michigan; his brother Jonathan Wray Rice, of Three Rivers, Michigan his brother-in-law George Elliot Rudd, of Three Rivers, Michigan, his nephew Christopher Wray Rice, of Three Rivers, Michigan; his Niece Erin Elizabeth Rice of Three Rivers, Michigan; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father.

"Peter Rice's financial support was vital to the creation of Block Starz Music Television and our award-winning catalog of independent films." NEGRO DIGEST publisher and filmmaker BAYER MACK (52) said in a statement. "Peter and (his wife) Frances didn't have children of their own, so they kinda adopted me and have supported me in all my endeavors. My heart goes out to Frances. They loved each other very much."

Mr. Rice was retired from the US Foreign Service with the United States Department of State and grew up in Three Rivers, Michigan. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA and Golden Gate University with an MPA (Master of Public Administration). He served in the United States Army for four years, starting in 1969, achieved the rank of captain, and earned the Army Commendation Medal. He spent a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Before his US Foreign Service, he worked in the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, specializing in information technology. While in the US Foreign Service he served in Washington, D.C. at the Department of State; Brussels, Belgium; Manilla, The Philippines; and New Delhi, India. One of his assignments was to visit embassies around the world to install a financial management system, and he traveled to embassies and consulates in Australia, Brazil, Germany, England, France, and Belgium. His Foreign Service awards included the US Department of State Superior Honor Award (awarded two times) and Meritorious Honor Award (awarded five times.

The information technology experience he gained as a US Army officer and during his subsequent government career prompted him to acquire an interest in developing Internet sites for nonprofit organizations and assist with preserving African American history by providing funding and computer technical assistance. His keen sense of dedication and hard work were forged during his formative years, starting at age 11, when he faithfully delivered newspapers to his neighbors for five years, during all types of weather in Michigan, summer and winter. His love for serving his country was sparked when he participated in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Western Michigan University.

Peter met his wife, Frances Presley Rice, in 1969 while they were Army officers stationed in Pirmasens, Germany and they married there in 1970. He was always amused by the fact that their marriage license was written in English and German. The couple had no children and loved to travel, especially on cruises, and visited all 50 US states, all the ten provinces in Canada, and over 105 countries in the world. After retiring from the Foreign Service, Peter and Frances moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1999 and made Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club their home.

Peter, known affectionately as "the bird man," was an avid bird watcher who managed the Sarasota County Rare Bird Alert List which shows observations of rare birds in Sarasota County. He conducted the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count which occurs from December 14 to January 5 every year, with his area being Heritage Oaks.

Peter will be remembered for his exemplary ability to regale and delight listeners with intriguing stories and fancy dance moves due to his Irish genes inherited from his mother who was a British subject born in Northern Ireland. All who met Peter were charmed by his quick wit and warm heart.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Rice's loved ones ask that you please make donations to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.