George W. Pierce

George William "G.W." Pierce, 81, of Pocahontas, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2013. Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on December 26, 1931, to the late Albert and Ruth Mary Hansen Pierce.

G.W. served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953. He moved to California at the age of 19 to find work. He was employed by Ford Motor Company, Atlanta Richfield Refinery (ARCO) and was self-employed during his years in California. G.W. moved to Pocahontas, Arkansas in 1996.

He is survived by Elizabeth Yeakle Pierce of Jonesboro, 2 sons: Rickey Wayne Pierce of Oklahoma and Terry Wayne Pierce of Jonesboro; 1 daughter, Tenia Marie Carter (Troy) of Michigan; 9 grandchildren: Keely Moore, Jessica Pierce, Jacqueline Pierce, Travis Pierce, Aristeo Pierce of Jonesboro, Justin Carter, Megan Carter, Andrew Carter of Michigan, and Alexis Norin of Oklahoma. He leaves 3 great grandchildren: Bethany Ann George, Georgia Hope Smith of Jonesboro and David Miles Wilson of Oklahoma.

G.W. was the third born of 11 children to the late Albert and Ruth Pierce. He is survived by 3 brothers: Earl Raymond Pierce (Sadie) of Oklahoma, Randell Albert Pierce (Diann), Gaylon Richard Pierce (Diane), 3 sisters: Mary Jane Gray (Dale), Linda Kay Duffel (Curtis) and Carolyn Schwartz (Kenny) of Jonesboro.

Also leaving behind many extended family members as well as the many friends he has made throughout his life as he never met a stranger.

G.W. was preceded in death by his daughter Janet Leigh Pierce, 2 brothers, James Melvin Pierce and Buddy Andrew Pierce, and 2 sisters, Betty Louise Smith and Zula Mae Brown.

Honorary pallbearers will be the 1951 Class of Valley View High School. Active pallbearers will be Dale Gray, Kenny Schwartz, Randell Pierce, Gaylon Pierce, Chester Thornton and Russell Yeakle.

The Pierce family extends special acknowledgements to the many doctors, nurses, friends and family members caring for George during his illness.

Funeral services will be Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Emerson Memorial Chapel conducted by Pastor Bobby Barnett of Friendly Hope Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pierce Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 in Emerson Chapel.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Pierce Cemetery Association, c/o Murphy Bennett, 3212 Wood St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.