Carla Tice

Carla Bullard Tice, 85, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away at Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Oklahoma, on Friday, July 17, 2026. Carla was born January 13, 1941, to Jesse Carl Bullard and Alice Mae (Drake) Bullard. She was raised in Arnett, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Arnett High School with the Class of 1959. During her school years, she was active in band, glee club, track, rifle club, and school plays. She later attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she pursued her passion for education. 

On December 26, 1965, Carla married, William Ronald “Ron” Tice. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service. Throughout their years together they lived in Weatherford, Oklahoma; Lamar, Colorado; Vici, Oklahoma; Woodward, Oklahoma; Mooreland, Oklahoma; Arnett, Oklahoma; and later Palm Bay, Florida; and Duncan, Oklahoma, making lifelong friendships in every community they called home. 

Teaching was more than a profession to Carla - it was her calling. She dedicated her career to educating children as both a second-grade teacher and later as a special education teacher in Woodward and Arnett school systems. She believed every child had unique gifts and deserved patience, encouragement, and the opportunity to succeed. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering belief in her students left a lasting impact on generations of children and their families. 

Carla’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Lamar, Colorado and later attended the First Baptist Church in Arnett, Oklahoma. She lived her faith through service, compassion, and a genuine love for others. Outside the classroom, Carla found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, crocheting, and traveling with family and friends. She was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator, enjoying both the technical aspects of the hobby and the friendships it fostered. She was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she continued her lifelong commitment to fellowship, charity, and service.

Carla was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Ronald “Ron” Tice; her parents Jesse Carl Bullard and Alice Mae (Drake) Bullard; her son, Carl David Tice, her stepdaughters, Peggy Tice Evans and Rhonda Jean Tice; and her granddaughter, Franky Jo Spillards. 

She is survived by her daughter, Terica Bryant and husband Steve; her daughter-in-law, Donna Tice; her stepdaughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Terry; her brother, Terry Lynn Bullard and wife Bonnie; her grandchildren, great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, former students, and dear friends. 

Carla will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, educator, faithful Christian, and servant to her community. She touched countless lives through her years in the classroom, her commitment to helping others, and the quiet example of a life lived with grace, humility, and unwavering faith. Her legacy will continue in the students she inspired, the family she cherished, the friends she loved, and the communities she served.

Memorial donations may be made to Arnett Public Schools, Arnett Fire Department, Arnett Senior Citizens, or the Arnett First Baptist Church
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859