A Kingsport native, he was the son of the late Albert Jerome Pierce and Lena Fitzgerald Pierce. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Mr. Pierce served in World War II and was a member of American Legion Post #123. He retired from the City of Kingsport and also retired as a community barber. An avid sports fan, he had a great love for baseball and was known as “Grand-Daddy” by family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Pierce; sisters, Virginia, Alice, Fannie and Mae; brothers, William, Albert, Edward, Fred, Jake, Thomas and Charles.
He leaves to cherish fond memories, three daughters, Staralee (Raymond) Morris of Lithonia, Ga., the Rev. Sherry Kinchloe of the home, Aleea Tarplin, Stockbridge, Ga.; one son, Jerome (Blossom) Pierce Jr. of Kingsport; five grandchildren, Tyrome Avery, Cameron Grimes, Elizabeth “Beth” Pierce, Bernard Tarplin Jr. and Byron Pierce Tarplin; and one great-grandson, Pierce Cameron Grimes. He is also survived by brother, Jack (Betsy) Pierce, Kingsport; nephew, A.J. Strong of Connecticut; sister-inlaw, Orlean Pierce of Washington, D.C.; and a host of relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Shiloh Baptist Church, Kingsport.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Calvert officiating. Eulogy will be provided by Elder Charles Hawkins.
A military graveside service will follow at Pierce Family Chapel Cemetery in Horse Creek, Tenn., with the Hawkins County Color Guard conducting the rites.
Color Guard will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the Pierce family.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A few years ago, Mr. Jerome gave a Riverview Oral History, remembering life growing up and raising a family in the Riverview Community. In his honor and memory, please click here to read Mr. Jerome's archived Oral History.
