Michael Edward Rice of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Heart of Hospice Unit in Fort Smith. He was born on March 27,1954, in Fort Smith to the late Herman Grady Rice and Neta Genelle (Thomas) Rice. He was 71 years old.

Mike was owner and operator of The Beer Garden in Fort Smith, and for several years, Mike sold cars and was a musician. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Tabitha Bixler; a daughter, Sabrina Smith of Greenwood; two sons, Kyle Christian of California and Michael Bixler; a sister, Kathie Hendrix of Charleston; two brothers, Phillip Rice and Billy Rice, both of Fort Smith; and two grandchildren.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Cremation Services in Fort Smith, 914 N. 32nd St. Fort Smith, AR  72903. (479) 434-3901 or (479) 965-8202

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.