Marvin Brice

Guard (1946-47)

Marvin Brice and his life-long friend George Miller were Co-Captains of the 1944 Lakeland Florida High School football team. In 1945-46, he went to Fork Union, Virginia, a prep school. In 1946, Tulsa University invited them to fall practice. They did not have any money, so they hitchhiked from Florida to Tulsa. After being there three weeks the coaches told them they should join a junior college because of their size and playing ability. Since Coffeyville was the closest junior college, they came to play for the Red Ravens.

At 150 pounds, Marvin started the first game against NEO (Miami, Oklahoma) as left guard. The Ravens continued their winning streak at 26 games before the war and finished the year with 35 games without a defeat.

Brice started all 22 games in 1946 and 1947. Both years he was selected to the All-Conference Team, which was the highest honor a player could receive at the time. He also played on the baseball team for the Sinclair Oil Refinery. Marvin transferred to the University of Florida in 1948-49 where he lettered in both football and baseball. He loves Gator Football and has been a season ticket holder since he graduated in 1950, only missing two home games since then.

Brice worked for Publix supermarkets from 1950 until he retired in 1967. He then went to work on the Board of County Commission of Polk County: Director of Human Services. He retired in 1993.

Marvin was a dedicated coach and role model for more than 30 years. He was one of the first coaches at the Pop Warner Football League for Kids in Polk County. He coached his own sons throughout little league football and baseball and has been a positive influence on many children through those 30 years. Along with coaching he was a member of the Florida High School Officiating Association and refereed high school football for 30 years.

Marvin married his high school sweetheart Ruth Wesche in 1953. This November they will celebrate 53 years together. They had four children, one deceased (Marlene), Arelene May, David, and Marvin Jr. and three grandchildren. He is a devoted husband, father and grandfather. God and his family are his most prized possessions. Marvin spent his entire life thinking of others first. Marvin and Ruth live at the beach in Anna Maria. They enjoy each other, walks on the beach and watching beautiful sunsets.