T. William "Bill" Pierce, Jr.

Thomas William Pierce, Jr., 80, of Statesville, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2016 at his residence.  He was born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 11, 1935 to the late Thomas William Pierce and Jessie Virginia Anderson Pierce. Mr. Pierce was a graduate of Rocky Mount High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He made a career in the military serving his country honorably.  He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Bill worked various jobs, including Big Lots, to keep himself busy after retirement from the Air Force.  He was a big sports fan, always rooting for NC State and the Boston Red Sox.  Bill loved country music, especially Hank Williams, Sr., even visiting his grave with his family. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Ginny Pierce and a brother, Bobby Pierce. Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Deborah Pierce and Reggie Perron of Statesville, Tammy Stewart (Mark) of West Virginia, and Toni Payne (Dennis) of Virginia; one son, Hank Pierce of South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Jessica, Ricky, Shawn, Ellen, Margaret, Thomas, Laura, and Chris; and eight great grandchildren, Dani Jo, Lily, Lili, Roman, Danielle, Shana, Chase, and Darrian. There will be no formal services held for Mr. Pierce, per his instructions. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.