Timothy Gene Tice

In ways all his own, Tim Tice cultivated endless memories in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He counted his daughter, Liberty as his greatest treasure, and loved spending time with her. Tim lived simply, loved fully, and enjoyed adventurous as well as laid back times fishing and hunting. When it came to kids, Tim had a heart of gold. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered by many. The "Nifty Fifties" was certainly a time to be remembered. New cars came equipped with bigger, more powerful engines while larger and taller automobile tail fins were all the rage. Rock and roll was here to stay with the television debut of American Bandstand, and at the same time, the "Baby Boomer" generation had reached its' peak. The birth of Timothy Gene Tice made for exciting times in 1957 when his parents, Leonard J. and Jessie Ann (Potter) Tice welcomed him into their arms on May 18. Born in the central Michigan city of Mt. Pleasant, Tim grew up alongside his brothers, Terry and Leon in their family home on the west side of the city. His father eventually retired from the City of Mt. Pleasant where he supported their family working as a street worker. He also took care of the Riverside Cemetery, and the many animals at Nelson Park. Tim's mother was the head dietician and cook for Tendercare Nursing Home where she too eventually retired. Tim's childhood days were spent doing what he loved most - fishing and hunting from which he experienced numerous adventures. While a youngster, he and his brothers often went small game hunting. On one particular opening day, Tim took off on his own, only to return nearly 20 minutes later, after his brothers heard shots. Tim was out for game alright - after coming back with blood on his hands, he must not have realized a four point buck wasn't quite "small game" so to speak! As a child, Tim was rather gullible and his brothers had fun with that fact. While bathing in the tub at their Burch Street home, Tim's brother Leon couldn't resist drenching Tim with cold hose water through the open window in the bathroom! Another adventure caused Tim difficulty with his right arm throughout the rest of his life. While attempting to ride a ball down a slide at Ganiard School, Tim fell off and severely broke his arm, which was then shaped into the form of an S. Having lost the feeling in his arm from the elbow down, he experienced many accidents in his life due to this incident. Along with his brothers, Tim shared many ingenious exploits as a young man. Rambunctious by nature, their shenanigans most often went hand-in-hand, and well into later years. Times re-roofing their father's house or fishing for small mouth bass off season and getting off the hook when spotted by a DNR officer, a friend of the family, always made for great stories. When Tim turned 18, he left the house early that day and returned home quite drunk, and late. With his bed on the top bunk, he leaned over and after becoming quite ill, headed straight for the bathroom. The only thing Tim didn't realize was that his brother, Leon had also come home drunk, and had shut the bathroom door. After Tim ran into the door, he no less became really sick! A bit of the rebel in Tim came out at his high school graduation. Held at Central Michigan University, after Tim was handed his diploma, he didn't bother waiting around and made a beeline for the door. And instead of using the drive to leave the parking lot with his car, Tim decided to tear it up on the neatly manicured CMU lawn! While in high school, Tim took a few small engine classes which gave him more know-how when he took a job with Lee Implements in Mt. Pleasant soon after high school. After some time there, Tim ventured out on his own, opening up his own business, Tims Small Engine. Family was always important to Tim, but he counted the greatest day of his life as the day his daughter, Liberty was born. Tim was a loving, caring father and took great pride in his little girl. When she was growing up, he absolutely loved Thanksgiving and Christmas. He especially loved doing all the holiday cooking for his family and having everyone together. He continued this tradition until it became too much for him. Super Bowl Sunday was always a special time for Tim and his daughter. They'd order a boatload of wings and just enjoy the game together. When she was young, Tim often took her fishing and she recalls many a fence they'd have to crawl under just to get to a fishing pond. Tim had a heart for kids. Over the years he took in many children who otherwise had no place to go. His home was always open to anyone in need, and he loved cooking for those who found shelter there, no matter how many. Throughout the years, Tim continued his love for hunting and fishing. And even after he retired, he enjoyed tinkering with cars and trucks. He also had an artistic side. Tim could sit at the table for hours on end making native American dream catchers, tomahawks, jewelry, and other items, and truly loved doing so. Tim Tice above all loved his daughter beyond compare. He loved getting together with family, and enjoyed the great outdoors. Through his compassionate nature, he was able to make a difference in the lives of others by lending a hand. Although Tim never required much and lived simply, he gladly shared what he did have to many in need. Gone but never to be forgotten, the heart of Tim lives on in everyone he touched in ways all his own. Timothy G. Tice, age 55, of Shepherd, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Mid Michigan Medical Center-Midland. He is survived by his daughter, Liberty of Shepherd; his special friend, Patty; brothers, Terry (Michelle) Tice of Mason, and Leon (Cindy) Tice of Mt. Pleasant; many nieces and nephews; and Brennan DeMoines of Shepherd, who was like the son Tim wished he had. A Memorial Service for Tim will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at First Church of Christ, 1610 E. Broadway Street in Mt. Pleasant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family. Envelopes will be available at Lux Family Funeral Home or First Church of Christ. To sign Tim's online guest book, share a memory or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.