COLERAIN, NC – Charles “Charlie” Iredell Pierce, Jr., age 76, of Colerain, NC passed away on March 26, 2020 at the home of his daughters, Carolyn and Catherine Pierce of Ahoskie, NC, with his family at his side after an 11 year battle with Alzheimer’s and other complications. Charlie was born on February 2, 1944 in Rocky Mount, NC and was the son of the late Charles I. and Bernice S. Pierce.
Charlie was a 1962 graduate of Ahoskie High School Indians. He attended Mars Hill College and returned to Ahoskie in 1964 upon which he partnered with his father in the family business at Pierce Printing Company, Inc. which continued proudly serving Northeastern NC and Southeastern VA for 61 years as a commercial printing company.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie where he served as Deacon, was a member of the Sanctuary/Ensemble Choir and a faithful member of the Radio Bible Class. He was active in his community by serving as Boy Scout Leader for 12 years, an honorary Girl Scout Dad in his daughters’ troop, served as Chairman of Ridgecroft School Board of Directors and Chairman of the Hertford County Planning and Zoning Board. He was a proud member of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, the Ahoskie Jaycees and the Ahoskie Rotary Club where he served as a past President of all three.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Judy Hughes Pierce of Colerain, NC, his two daughters Carolyn Ann Pierce and Catherine Neal Pierce of Ahoskie, NC, a sister Beth Pierce Moore and husband Robert of Canton, GA, his stepson Michael Lee Hughes and wife Ellen of Union, NC, stepdaughter Anna Hughes Brawner and husband Matt of Raleigh, NC, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, two nephews Matthew Moore and wife Laura of Marietta, GA and Spencer Moore of Memphis, TN, and 2 great nieces.
He will be remembered always for his big smile, infectious laugh and love of a good time singing, dancing, spending time on the Chowan River fishing, waterskiing, boating and spending time with family.
A special thank you goes to Dr. Charles Sawyer for his guidance and patience, Charlie’s Angels: Vivian Riddick, Stephanie Lee, Avis Harrell, Valorie Lassiter and Monica Smallwood for their abundant love and care, Doug and Susan Brinkley for their steadfast friendship and Vidant Home Health and Hospice.
A graveside celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Highland Memorial Gardens with Rev. Dr. Trey Gilliam, Rev. Dr. Jesse J. Croom and Rev. Anita Thompson officiating.
Memorials may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27612, or online by clicking here and First Baptist Church of Ahoskie Music Fund, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910, or you may donate online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie, NC, is serving the pierce family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.grrettsykesfs.com.
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. This is a horrible ideas and a terrible journey for the person as well as the family. Prayers for you and Charles family. In case , I am Judy Mincher sister
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Clara parker
So sad to learn of the passing of Charlie. We grew up in the same neighborhood and school. He had an infectious laugh and smile and was kind to everyone. I know that he will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the community of Ahoskie.
Carolyn and Katherine. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with your Dad when he was Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board as well as his time at Pierce Printing. Enjoyed being in Rotary with him years ago. He was always a great friend and had his smile and laugh that was uniquely his. I pray for your peace and comfort in the days, weeks and years ahead.
My deepest sympathies to you in your loss of Charlie. It’s been many years since we were together, but I will always remember fondly the times we were together growing up. Of the cousins, Charlie, Whyte and I were closest in age and always found fun and adventure when we could be together, and that continued on through the years even though we lived at a distance and the visits became less often. Family is precious and I will treasure my memories of him, and all the Pierce family.
It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of our 1962 Ahoskie High classmate. Charlie was a great guy who loved life. We spent many years together in our youth. He came from a respected family and leaves many positive impacts on the Ahoskie community and beyond. His obit reflects love of church, family, community, and pubic service. He will be missed. Welcome home, Charlie.
Judy, Catherine, and Carolyn, deepest condolences to you all. We have very fond memories of Charlie.
Charlie was quite a guy who was nice, kind and welcoming. He wholeheartedly welcomed me into the Pierce family when Beth invited me Ahoskie for the first time. He loved family and friends and liked to have a good time. I’ll always appreciate his teaching our boys all about the outdoors including fishing, boating and water skiing. Me he Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear of the passing of our 1962 Ahoskie High classmate. Charlie was a great friend when we lived in Ahoskie and many days of our youth were spent together. He was a great guy from a respected family and his obit reminds all of his enormous contributions to his family, his church, and his community. Welcome home, Charlie!