Howard Colden “Butch” Hice, Jr., 77, of Hudson, passed away Saturday April 13, 2024 at his son’s residence following a period of declining health from ALS.
Howard was born on February 6, 1947, in Charleston County, S.C. to the late Howard C. Hice, Sr. and Toyie Bumgarner Hice. Following high school, he obtained his master’s degree in education and was employed by Caldwell County Public Schools where he taught at Whitnel Elementary and Hudson Middle School for over 33 years, and was in the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department for 35 years. He was owner of Hice Electric Company and was an avid outdoorsman and member of the Piedmont Gun Club in Rutherfordton. He was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Terry Hice and a sister, Nancy Ross.
Survivors include his children, Jeffrey Hice and companion Kim Grose of Newton; Michael Hice and companion Leslie Hodge of Granite Falls and Megan Brittain and husband David of Hickory; one brother, Roger Bumgarner and wife Cynthia of Hudson; his grandchildren, Abigail Hice, Grady Hice, Harrison Brittain and Hattie Sue Brittain; also surviving is his partner and companion, Tamara Lunsford of Hudson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date at Center Grove Baptist Church.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.
Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the family.
I have fond memories of Mr. Hice from Whitnel Elementary School. He Was a positive male role model to a student who could have gone down the wrong road. I feel that his encouragement and sometimes discipline may have kept me from making a mess out of my life. He and Mrs. Porter were a great team and never let me get away with my smart mouth.
My husband worked with Mr. Hice at the CCSD for many years. I will remember him fondly.
Mr. Hice was more 7th grade math teacher; the only teacher to ever send me to the office. My math skills improved because of that incident and I have Mr. Hice to thank for it. He was also my electrician when my family did some remodeling on our house. He will be missed. Thoughts for the family.
Mr. Hice was my favorite teacher of all time. He taught everyone in my 7th grade class how to turn cartwheels. He was all about making school fun. Such great memories.
Sherry Cooke Ervin. April16,1924.
Butch has been my neighbor
since I moved into the house. Although he’s been my dad’s and maw’s neighbor and friend before then. He always watched out for me and my husband Randy, helping out when needed. He was a very good friend and neighbor. My heart felt condolences to all his family and friends. God’s speed my friend.
Sincerely, Sherry.
Sherry Cooke Ervin. April16,1924.
Butch has been my neighbor
since I moved into the house. Although he’s been my dad’s and maw’s neighbor and friend before then. He always watched out for me and my husband Randy brought us eggs on occasion and helping out when needed. I was a very good man and neighbor and I will miss him calling and just talking just whenever. My heart felt condolences to all his family and friends on the loss of their beloved father, brother & friend. God’s speed my friend.
Sincerely, Sherry.
Butch has been my neighbor since I moved into the house. Although he’s been my dad’s and maw’s neighbor and friend before then. He always watched out for me and my husband Randy brought us eggs on occasion and helping out when needed. I was a very good man and neighbor and I will miss him calling and just talking just whenever. My heart felt condolences to all his family and friends on the loss of their beloved father, brother & friend. God’s speed my friend.
Sincerely, Sherry Cooke Ervin
Mr. Hice was my 7th grade school teacher. He was the best teacher ever so sweet and caring.
He will forever be missed R.I.P.
Michael and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. Peace and love
Howard Hice was my seventh grade teacher at Whitnel Elementary School in 1970, he was the teacher that I never forgot, he befriend a trouble abused boy when all others were blind..The world is a lesser place without him. One of the best men I have ever known, and to me the finest teacher that ever lived.
RIP my friend, I’ll see you on the other side!
Mr Hice was my teacher at Whitnel the first year he taught, right after college. Then years later my son was in his class.
I loved working with Howard. He was a great officer at the Sheriff”s Office and my children love him at Hudson Middle School.
So very sorry to hear of Mr Hice’s passing. He was one my 7th grade teachers at HMS. He was always kind and made me laugh alot during class. Prayers for comfort for his family!!
Howard Hice was one of my all time favorite teachers. We were blessed with those at Hudson middle. He was a fantastic teacher, a great coach, and a great ‘life coach’. I spoke to him many times over the years and it was always a period of laughter. I am a better person today for knowing him. Thank you,Howard. Take your eternal rest. You have earned it.
Mr. Hice was my 7th grade science teacher. I have carried on his tradition of calling students “fart blossoms” in my own science classroom!!! He was one of the funniest teachers I knew, and I know he will be missed by his colleagues, friends, and family. Thinking of you and your family, Jeff ❤️
Howard and I taught 7th grade together for many years at Hudson Middle. He was great to partner with and he was a great friend and teacher. . He was loved by many students and by our faculty also. He was a caring educator and a loyal friend. I have so many fond memories of him and his family. I will be in prayer for his family and friends for peace and comfort at this time. He will be missed by so many. My precious memories will give me peace. ❤️🙏🏻
So sorry to hear the passing of Mr hive. Prayers go out for his family. Mr hice taught school with my husband Charles Laney at Hudson middle He will be miss now he in heaven with my husba talking about good old tildes at Hudson middle see u again I’m heaven one day
He was a great friend and teacher.he is the man responsible for me going into law enforcement. Rest easy my brother till we meet agaun.
I was fortunate to work with Howard for many years at Hudson Middle School. He was a dedicated teacher and my friend. For a few years we were “Partners” in teaching Language Arts to eighth grade students Howard was always so good to me , and we worked well as a team He influenced many lives, and he will be missed. My prayers for his family – Jeffrey, Megan, and Michael.
Mr hice will be missed I had him as a teacher at whitnel elementary school.
I hate to hear about the passing of Mr. Hice. I remember him from Hudson Middle School when I was a student their. Never had him as a teacher, but I remember him fondly. He was always nice anytime I greeted him in the hall. My prayers to his family at this time.
R.I.P. prayers for family and friends
Thanks for educating us at Whitnel ,Coaching us , and most of all being the Friend that only Mr Hice could be. You’re Whole Again my Friend ! See you in a little while !