Donald Louis Pierce, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Louis Pierce Sr. announces his passing after a long fight with Alzheimer’s and health issues, on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 in Raleigh, at the age of 77 years. Donald is survived by his loving wife Brenda of 52 years; children, Donna Koonce and Donald Pierce Jr.; five grandchildren, Chrissy Koonce, Margo Minkler, Kyle Koonce, Ben Pierce and Tori Pierce; three great grandchildren Josiah Minkler, Adia Minkler, Knox Koonce; sisters, Gloria P. Beaman Phillips and Annette Moore. He is preceded in death by his sister Joyce Abernethy.

Donald was born in Wilmington in 1940 to George Candos Pierce and Lena T. Pierce and then moved to Irving’s Crossroads on Hwy 258 until he graduated from Pink Hill High School in 1958. Donald spent most of his career in the advertising industry working for Fairway Outdoor in Raleigh for over 30 years retiring in 2002 as General Manager for the region. Along the way he received numerous awards for his outstanding service in the community and state. He was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor by Governor Jim Hunt at the time. He was known for always having a twinkle in his eye, a positive attitude, quick wit, sense of humor and his generosity. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m.  Friday, April 27, 2018 with visitation following the service. Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.