Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
September 23, 1953 – January 4, 2024
Anyone who knew Kevin will remember a disarming smile, a witty sense of humor, and a man who loved to help people. He was a rare soul who was careful, meticulous, organized, reliable, and planful; and at the same time was a free spirit, given to spontaneous adventures with family and friends. He was an artist, craftsman, perfectionist, chef, good neighbor, devoted father, trusted confidant, careful driver, enthusiastic volunteer, and anything a friend needed him to be. Kevin loved pie, children, friends, family, architecture, music, golden retrievers, coffee, Ireland, good food, and hats, though not necessarily in that order. Kevin constantly made people laugh, but never once at the expense of another. Kevin was sensitive, caring, generous and thoughtful. Kevin was a treasure, and his loss is unfathomable.
Kevin was born in Robinson, Illinois, the first of two siblings to Charles Leon Rice and Margaret (Maggie) Ann Rice. At age 12, he moved with his family to Olney, Illinois where he grew up alongside his younger sister, Lagretta Sue, whom he fondly referred to as “Susie,” with his mother Margaret (Maggie) Farris, and stepfather John H. Farris, Sr. Kevin graduated with the East Richland High School Class of 1971. He moved to Atlanta in the fall of 1971 to live with his father, Charles and attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he studied architecture until 1974. Kevin decided to study architecture abroad and spent a year exploring Europe, especially Ireland where he developed a deep love of his ancestral homeland. During his travels, he discovered that the life of an artist was calling to him more than that of an engineer.
In 1975, Kevin returned to Atlanta and found what he was looking for. He began working at Art Glass Studio of Atlanta under the mentorship of George and Joan Goodyear. The precision craftsmanship and artistic constraints of stained glass proved a perfect medium for Kevin’s artistic perfectionism.
It was through the Atlanta Glass Art Guild that Kevin met Theresa Sherburne Kobres, whom he married in 1981. In his marriage to Theresa, Kevin gained an 11-year-old stepson, Erick Kobres, to whom he was a patient, present and devoted father. Kevin had no other children and considered Erick to be his son.
Soon after marriage, Kevin and Theresa opened their own art glass studio, Scoreline Studios in Marietta, Georgia. There they continued creating and constructing one-of-a-kind art glass pieces for many years. Kevin also consulted and worked with other Atlanta-area glass artists from time-to-time, gaining a reputation as a skilled artist and craftsman. Kevin and Theresa also opened a catering business, Sherburne & Rice Catering Company, which eventually become their primary focus. In 1995, Kevin and Theresa parted ways amicably, remaining friends.
He continued working with local art-glass studios until 2012, and still enjoyed helping with occasional catering engagements until 2023.
In 2011, Kevin discovered a new calling that allowed him to serve his community. He became a school-bus driver for Fulton County, a job he dearly loved and which he held until his death.
Kevin passed away unexpectedly in his home in Cumming, Georgia on January 4th at the age of 70.
Kevin is survived by his stepson and stepdaughter-in-law Erick Christian and Jennifer Mayer Kobres; step grandchildren Jasmine and Christian Kobres; and sister Lagretta Sue Rice. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ann Farris; stepfather, John H. Farris Sr.; and father, Charles Leon Rice.
The family plans to have a private celebration of Kevin’s life.
In lieu of a public service, flowers, or donations, the family hopes any who were close to him will also find time to get together one last time to celebrate his memory and perhaps have a sip of Irish whisky or a warm piece of pie with a cup of coffee.
Sandy Jefferson says
So very sorry for your loss! Kevin was such a nice guy and a great co worker. We will and do miss him.
Leslie Hannan says
You’ll be very missed Kevin. It was an honor and a privilege to know you. Thank you for turning me on to the Blue Bicycle. I’ve eaten there several times and I’ve taken many a friend.
Love you fondly, Leslie
Roderick Hunnicutt says
Hi my name is Roderick Hunnicutt (Mr Cutt) I met Kevin at North Fulton school transportation and from the first day we bonded we both loved movies and I was his monitor some days he was such a very special person we texted each other on Christmas and New Year of this year and I’m truly honored to have met him and to have stayed in touch with him over the past few years!
Star Sutton says
Cheers to forever Kev!!! You’ll be missed here on earth but surely not forgotten!! One of my favorite coworkers indeed! Love you dearly. – Star
Leslie Harper says
RIP dear Kevin. Wish I could have gotten to know you. I always thought you were a cool guy. Gone too soon.
Helen E Mansell says
Theresa, Erick and Jennifer – this obituary is a tremendous tribute to Kevin and to the kind and generous person he was. I’ve never met a dearer soul, and he will be surely missed on so many levels. Truly they don’t make them like him anymore.
Joe Smith says
Hi. My name is Joe. I worked with Kevin at the Bus shop. So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. He will be missed. We was always talking about music. That was one thing we had in common. We liked alot of the same artist. RIP my friend.
Amanda says
Thought and prayers are with you all. Kevin was one of a kind. I was blessed to know him. He will be truly missed. This is not goodbye just until we meet again.
Donna Hall says
Such a wonderful man always stopping to talk and say hi when he saw you! You will be missed ! I still will be looking for you with your hat on. Thank you for your kindness! RIP buddy.❤️🩹
Myoshi Brown says
Rest In Peace My Dear Friend. Thank You For Showing Me How Driving the Shuttle Bus Really Works and The Long talks we had along the way.. You taught me a lot. Thank You for your Smiles and Patience. You will be missed but I know that we shall see you again in Heaven..
Ana Garmon says
Rest peace Kevin, its so sad knowing that you are gone. You are always a good person with a good attitude. Until we see you again. Im miss seeing you at transportation everyday 😢.
Karen Bowling says
Kevin was such a great guy, friend to all. I enjoyed working with him and appreciated his commitment to the students of Fulton County. Loved his style, always had his hat on and a smile. He’ll be missed by all who knew him. ❤️🩹
Brenda Sweatman says
I worked with him in Fulton County Schools. Always kind with a smile on his face. He will surely be missed by all that knew him.
Brenda Sweatman
Gary Fox says
Kevin will be missed by all who knew him. I do appreciate all the help that he had given me when he had the time to do so. RIP my friend
Jim Odenwalder says
Kevin was a delight to be around. His personality with everyone was warm & funny. A habit to have & pass easily to others.
RIP Kevin
Nadja Long says
We were fortunate to have had the privilege to know such a special man like Kevin. Our condolences go out to the Kobres family.He had a certain warmth about him. We will miss this sensitive, generous, creative, polite, artistic and multitalented renaissance man with the ocean blue eyes. Rest in peace, Kevin until we see each other again.
George Freemon says
RIP Kevin. His smile was always warm and friendly and he always was in a good sense of humor at the bus yard. God bless.
Troy A Cartledge says
When I first met Kevin he was very genuine and kind. I could tell that he was free-spirited and loved life. He will be greatly missed. It’s rare that you come across people like Kevin. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Gene Brady says
Praying for the family
Margie King says
RIP Kevin
We alway had a good laugh and long talks
Going to miss your smile❤️❤️
With Love
Margie King
Dimitria schneps says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Faye B Richmond says
Kevin, you’ll truly be missed by me and Friends, you helped me so much when I became a Bus Driver I learned so much from you and we bonded from the first day I met you, You always gave me my Hugs and I’ll miss you so much seeing you everyday at North Transportion. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend!
Morgan Doyle says
Sincere condolences to Kevin’s family. It was my pleasure to know Kevin at North Transportation. His sudden passing has left many shocked and saddened. Until we meet again, Kevin, one Irishman to another: may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Dereka says
Kevinnnnnn im going to really miss you buddy ! Such a caring and loving person. I’m going to miss the talks and encouraging words ! After losing my baby girl , You always told me to be strong and everything will be okay , Things will get better over time . I truly believe it ! I want you to rest peacefully friend you will never be forgotten.
Janie Carroll says
Kevin was a kind soul. He always had a positive, upbeat attitude. When my husband was so ill, with a long recovery ahead, Kevin always asked me how he was and had an encouraging word for me. I will miss him and wish his family peace.
Willie Richmond says
Kevin, my brother, you was the real deal.
You will be truly missed around Fulton schools. You always had a smile every time we . Mat We’ll talk about the hats rest in peace my brother You’re working on Earth is finished may lord be with your family in this time of loss.
Blanca Ramos says
My Condolences to the Family I’m going to miss you Kevin🥹😘
Love Blanca
Sherry McBride says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kevin was a wonderful person. We shared the love of reading. I could count on him to help me find a new author. I will miss his smile and the kind words. I loved his hat. He will be missed.
Anonymous says
I didn’t know Kevin for very long but he was a pillar of the Fulton transportation service, he has left big shoes to fill. I liked his hat. He will be missed
BD says
Kev kev kev i will miss you dearly! I’m so lost for words! I’ll miss my hugs my random text and my birthday wishes you never miss a beat!! You were always willing to you will be truly lend a hand. Your contagious smile your energy was infectious! You were the who we call on if we need to get something done without hesitation. Working with you as a sub driver/TSS we bonded as family our group was the best team I worked with! 14 years knowing and working with you couldn’t ask for a better co worker! You will be truly missed! Sleep easy my friend!! Until we meet again love you kev!!
Elaine Reiner says
Kevin, you touched so many people in such beautiful ways, animals too! You were such a kind and sensitive soul you had a calmness about you as well, often times your mere presence of walking into a room altered everyone who was in it that was your healing energy no words were needed. And you could equally enliven the room too! You wore so many hats and you wore them well figuratively & literally!
On a personal note we shared a beautiful significant bond that is within my heart always. The next time I go horseback riding I’ll think of you I know you’ll be riding on the wind next to me! Although I’m very sad that your earth walk concluded I’m sure that you are journeying on in the most beautiful expansive ways! 🕊️ Peace be with you always ~
Until we meet again ~
All my love,
Elaine
Dear Susie, Erick & family I’m am so deeply sorry for your profound loss. This tribute was a beautiful testimony of who Kevin was and all of us who knew him could feel & relate to all that you wrote about him. I hope that all your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. May peace, comfort & strength be your constant companions.🙏🏻 Kevin is dearly missed.
May his memory always be a Blessing ~
Elaine
Dorothy Johnson says
I am so sorry for,your loss.Glad I had the chance to work with him this last month. Kevin was such a wonderful person.
May God be with you and family
Kerry Augustus says
God said that he will send us a comforter in the time of a storm. May you find comfort in the Holy Spirit during this time of trouble.
I too will miss the talks we shared these last 7 years at FCS TRANSPORTATION.
The world is a little less bright, because Kevin’s star is no longer shining here on Earth.
RIP my friend.
Pam and Charlie Sherburne says
His creative talent and mechanical precision, combined with his kind and gentle nature, made Kevin and his artistic creations unique. We fondly remember him and treasure the glass sculpture we have, and we will always be grateful for his restoring our heirloom beveled glass doors. It is sad knowing he is no longer with us, but we will always have our memories of him.
Steve Siegmann says
It’s very hard for me to write this. I feel overwhelming shock and disbelief. Earlier last year, we had started what I hope becomes a regular thing of having lunch together with fellow drivers during school calendar breaks. Five of us shared lunch a week before Christmas.
Kevin touched so many people at North Transportation and beyond. He could be funny, helpful, tell you a quick story while you were heading towards Dispatch, listen patiently to your peeves that are part and parcel to the Fulton County school bus driver blues.
Kevin was in the Present Moment EVERY DAY!
And that meant that you felt his warmth and genuineness and wanted to reflect it back to him in kind. A soul to soul moment that says, “I’m with you.”
His smile, his style, will stay with me forever.
And I will miss him dearly.
Tracy Trentadue says
We are saddened to learn of Kevin’s death and send our love and support to his family. Ironically we first crossed paths with Kevin when he catered my mothers memorial service in 2009. He made everything beautiful and the food was fantastic. We wish him peace and love forever after. Tracy Trentadue and Jim Monacell
Sheila Thomas says
I would like to express my sympathy to the family for your loss. Kelvin was a very knowledgeable person. When I first started driving, and had questions about how to maneuver in an apartment complex, he had answers. It is a tremendous loss to transportation and I will miss seeing him around.
L. Sue Rice-Sister says
To my dearest brother, My heart breaks without you still in this world. I will Love you always and always, Susie.
Valerie Brutti says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your loved one. I’m sure he was an amazing person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janice Light says
I pray that God will hold you tight and comfort you in your loss and fill your emptiness with His love
Linda says
Kevin was sweet nephew we will missed him but will see him again. Love you Kevin! Aunt Linda.
Essie Dixon/TA says
I have known Kevin for a year and two months. Kevin always greeted me with a big smile, always said hello, and is rushing to do his next task. Kevin was a great asset to Fulton County North and will be deeply missed. To his family may God give them the strength that they need at this time.
RIP Kevin 🙏
Barbara J Snow says
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Kevin Rice was a true gentleman with a servants heart. Charming, witty, dependable and a pleasure to be in his company. Rest in Peace friend. 🙏🏽
Ty Gordon says
Every time I saw Kevin he always had his hat on, along with an huge smile, He always ask how my children was doing. You are so loved and you will be dearly and forever missed my friend I’m so glade I met you❤️
Kimberlee Crittendon says
My condolences to the family! Kevin was such a sweet kind soul. I had the pleasure of working with him in the afternoons after my route. He would make his way to my bus to speak and make me laugh before the initial route, still in shock………you will truly be missed my friend!!!
David Zelby says
I had the pleasure of knowing Kevin back in the 80’s. Funny, smart , and very talented. I am so sorry to here about his passing. My memories of him were of laughter, creativity abundance of kindness. My condolences to his entire family.
Mary Lou Villalba says
I’m so deeply sorry for his family’s loss. Kevin was always such a kind, thoughtful and friendly person. Always willing to help and fill in where needed. FCS will never find another like him. A kind gentleman , with a smile and greetings for all. Rest in Peace Kevin
Kathleen Shearer says
I’ll always think of Kevin as one of the kindest, wittiest, and most thoughtful of men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I’m grateful that we were able to share a long and laughter-filled lunch during the recent winter break, but it’s painful to know that it was our last. I will miss him deeply. “Sláinte, Kevin! Thank you for being my friend.”
Clint Barrow says
You made me laugh and it was a short fun ride knowing you …..Catch you on the other side brother …..cheers.
Laura Boling says
I am crushed to hear about Kevin’s unexpected passing. Kevin was an amazing human with an infectious smile. During our multiple rides on the school bus (I am a transportation assistant) when we discussed life experiences and different trees and plants along the route. I will miss his humor, his hat and his suggestions for a good red wine! And a place to get a great deal for said wine! Kev, Kev I am sad that you’ve left this planet I’m happy that we will see each other again someday. Much love to your family and to you, Kevin. Thanks for being in my life. Cheers!
Karen Kimbrough says
Wow Kevin, this was such a sudden surprise. Still hard to believe we will not see your smiling face around the yard or helping to teach Securement and the many other great things you did. Keeping your family and friends lifted in prayer at this time. So glad our paths have crossed in this lifetime. Rest Well Kevin. God Bless.
Barbara Wingert Rohr says
Lagretta, I’m so sorry to hear of your brother Kevin’s passing. I remember him from school, and that your mom was one of mother’s coffee girls. I often wondered what happened to him. It sounds like he had a great life, full of good times, and adventures.
I’m sure you will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers to you, Lagretta.
JACQUELINE no says
Dearest “Sister” Suzie,
I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family at this time. May you always cherish the fond memories you had with your brother 💗
Charlie JOE Hatton says
Kevin, I’m hurting. I miss you and so sad we will never bump into each other in the halls of the bus yard. You always took time to say hello and always had time for a chat! You had the humor, smile, concern for friends that we all needed. Prayers for your family.