Brice Gaines Venable
Obituary
Brice Gaines Venable passed away August 24, 2019. Born at home in Overton, Alabama on February 16, 1924 to Ruford Freeman and Anne Lou (Gaines) Venable, Brice graduated in 1942 from Gadsden High School. He started college at Auburn, but his degree was interrupted by World War II, during which he served his country as a staff sergeant in the 285th Engineer Combat Battalion, Company B in Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Luxembourg and France. His unit dismantled land mines and liberated one concentration camp. Brice would graduate from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, after which he signed on with the McKesson-Robbins Drug Company, where he was a salesman, a buyer and manager. In 1970, he took over management of the family business, Venable’s Bicycle Store, which he continued to operate until 2004, the year he turned 80.
Brice was a lifelong United Methodist and a member of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church for over sixty years, where he met his spouse of 56 years, Sue Livesay. They would have two daughters together, of whom he would say, “They gave me my life.” He appeared in many stage productions, including Tulsa Little Theatre’s “The Most Happy Fella,” where he played the role of The Doctor, and several Tulsa Opera productions. He appeared on stage in Broadway at Boston Avenue, as Grandfather Prophater in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” as Andrew Carnes in “Oklahoma,” as The Starmaker in “Carousel,” and as General Waverly in “White Christmas.” He was a professional tenor soloist who sang for many weddings and funerals and was employed for worship services at the Unity Church of Christianity for a time. Brice also leaves behind reams of unpublished original poetry.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Fred C. Venable and nephew, Mark Venable. He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughters, Cathy Venable and Rev. Amy Venable; sister-in-law, Joan Venable; nieces, Wendy Hopkins (Greg) and Jill Jaynes (Clint); great-nephews, Matthew Venable and Mike Venable; and great-great nephew and niece, Kyle Venable and Brittney Venable. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Oklahoma.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Greetings from Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.
Just found out about the passing of Brice.
I was sorry to hear about this.
You're all in my prayers and thoughts and heart. As God leads me.
I have great memories of Brice and Venable's Bicycles. I was a long time customer.
I am an American. I am now a Canadian, too. I moved to Tulsa in April, 1988. I moved from New Jersey. I lived in Tulsa for over 25 years.
Anyway. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Craig Martinetti
We know who you are. Please cease and desist.
Cathy Venable
Yay though you wait in the valley of the brightness of life for eternity, your beloved Sue will never come. Instead she will frolic in Elysian Fields with Calderwood, having already birthed the two backed beast practically before you were cold. The immortal bard wrote of “frailty” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thy_name_is#History . Perhaps he was two harsh to lump all in to one. But it does sting does it not. To suffer such disease of old age and Parkinson’s, after given a lifetime of love. To know that your woman, could barely wait to snuggle up to another. Fred V
Fred
Sue, Cathy, and Amy, my sympathies on the death of Brice. I have great memories of being involved in BABA in Oklahoma and South Pacific. I was reminded about how small the world is when he told me that he went to First UMC of Albuquerque when my Grandad’s father was senior minister. Brice was a wonderful man and the world is a little bit better for him being here. Prayers for comfort for you.
Violet Fenn
Sue - everytime I think of Monte Cassino, I think of you (and precious Pete Theban). My deepest sympathy on the death of your husband. I remember your stories about him and your daughters -- you were so proud of your family. He blessed your life richly. And the lives of many others. You and your family are in my prayers.
Marty Sherrill
Our home is Heaven. On earth we're like travelers staying at a hotel. When you're away, you're always thinking of going home.
- St. John Vianney
Sarajane Turley
Amy, You, your mother and sister are in my heart and prayers as you usher your wonderful father to Heaven. I only met him once, at my mother's funeral, but he was obviously such a kind man. He lives on in you. And you, my friend, are an amazing lady. Much love, Sarajane
Sarajane Turley