Brice W. Boots

BRICE WENDELL BOOTS began his life journey on February 20, 1958. He was born of the marital union of Ellsworth and Queen Esther Boots in Baltimore, Maryland. Brice grew into an exceptional athlete. It was apparent from the time he was a child that he had extraordinary athletic talent. Brice was a standout pitcher in the James Mosher Little League. He won numerous basketball championships while playing in leagues with the Rognel Heights Recreation Center and the Mary E. Rodman Recreation Center. While attending Edmondson High School, he played baseball, basketball and football. Brice played varsity baseball as a sophomore. During his childhood, numerous trophies were prominently displayed in his home. He and his family were proud of his many athletic accomplishments. Brice attended Virginia Union University on a baseball scholarship after graduating from high school. He later attended Towson University. Brice was an avid bowler. He started bowling as a teenager. He continued to bowl throughout his adult life winning many tournaments. Later in life, Brice continued his enthusiasm for competitive sports by playing cornhole. He played with his cornhole club weekly. Brice was a highly skilled and experienced truck driver. He spent much of his professional driving career with the United Parcel Service (UPS). While working with UPS, Brice made many friends, many of whom became lifetime friends. After leaving UPS, he became a truck driver for the GIANT Food Stores from which he retired. During his tenure with the Giant Food Stores, Brice drove a semi-trailer truck on long interstate hauls. He was very committed to his work, always showing to up to work even during the Covid Pandemic. He ensured grocery shelves remained stocked despite the potential contact with the deadly virus. He fully understood and accepted his vital role as an essential worker. His commitment to his work exemplified his commitment to his family, friends and community. He could always be depended on if you needed his assistance or support. This was one of his most enduring characteristics. Brice possessed a keen sense of humor that he developed at an early age. Throughout his life, Brice’s sense of humor became his trademark. He had an exceptional ability to always seize an opportunity to make you laugh. He had a memory for jokes and riddles that was extraordinary. Brice enjoyed music. Rarely would you visit his home without hearing his favorite R&B or jazz tunes playing. He loved to play his music loud. He easily memorized the lyrics to his favorite songs. Brice would often sing the songs as they played. He had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed sharing it with his family and friends. One would be remised to not mention that he loved to dance. Brice was known for creating his own unique dance moves. During recent years, Brice had developed a passion for cooking. He was excited to serve a new dish that he had prepared with his family and friends. Brice often experimented with creating new dishes using his creativity and imagination. rice had a flare for fashion. He was always impeccably dressed. Brice had an eye for color and coordination. His one passion that surpassed his others for clothing was his love of sneakers. Brice’s wardrobe included Nike Air Max Flyknit sneakers in a rainbow of colors. You could say he was a collector. He saw them as an art form. Not only did he appreciate the aesthetics of clothing, he also appreciated the beauty of nature and different art forms. Brice was a multi-faceted individual. He was creative and possessed many talents and passions. In a word, he was interesting. How many of us knew the many layers of his personality? He could not be described by any stretch of the imagine as dull. Brice lit up a room when he entered it. His boundless energy and enthusiasm for life became apparent when you were in his presence. He could make anyone smile and laugh. Brice was a loving and devoted son. He was always concerned about the safety and health of his parents. Brice moved his elderly father into his home and cared for him when he became very ill prior to his passing. He always celebrated his mother’s birthdays. She spoke with adoration of how he would take her out for a special birthday dinner and would give her a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Brice was also a loving and dedicated pet owner. He was especially fond of his dog CoCo. He lived for nineteen years. He made sure CoCo lived as well as possible his entire life. Brice made special efforts to ensure he was as comfortable as possible when it became apparent that CoCo did not have long to live. Brice was heartbroken over his death. Brice was a kind and empathic soul. He deeply cared for people. Brice’s love for his family and friends was undeniable. He showed it through his actions, not words. He did not hesitate to help people when asked or if he saw that his help was needed. He donated his time and energy to his church and other organizations. Brice was an extraordinary human being. It did take long for anyone that met him to recognize and appreciate the beautiful being that he was. We were blessed to have known him and to have been a part of his life. Brice will be missed tremendously. His passing has left an enormous void in the hearts of many. May he rest in peace. Brice is lovingly remembered by: his nephew, Antonio R. Gasque; cousins, Ronald Washington, Deborah Lilly, Sheila Evans-Peguese, Naomi “Jackie” Evans, Bernadine Smiley, Helen Evans, Eugene Evans, Natasha Torkelson and Damon Evans; Camilla Williams, Richard Williams, Van Williams, Tiera Gilmer, Tammy Williams, Donna Boardley-Durpree, Kevin Boardley, Dana Boots, Beatrice Boots-Ashford, Sharon Tunner, and godson Marcus Williams and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wade Ricardo Gasque.

Tributes

Brice W. Boots

February 20, 1958 - January 10, 2024