William James Pierce, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at the age of 83, following an extended illness.

William was born Sept. 3, 1934, in Butler County, Alabama, to Emmett Eugene Pierce and Agnes Gafford Pierce. He lived his entire life within ten miles of his birthplace. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1952, and shortly thereafter, began a career as a lineman/serviceman with Pioneer Electric Cooperative in Greenville. After his retirement, his passion for Pioneer Electric and his Pioneer family never wavered throughout the remainder of his life.  His love of farming kept him involved in farm life for as long as his health permitted.  He was a skilled and knowledgeable cattle farmer and a lover of good horses.  His favorite hobbies included horseback riding, coon hunting, raising good dogs, bluegrass music, telling a good joke and helping his fellowman. He was totally committed to God and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by his grandparents, Preston and Elizabeth Pierce and Zed and Nettie Gafford. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret Weaver Pierce; children, Ellen Pierce Justice (Frank), William Wyman Pierce (Erica), Elizabeth “Beth” Pierce, and Sarah Alice Pierce Wilkinson; grandchildren, Michael Erickson Clark (Amy), Katie Clark Green (Tom), Garrett Franklin Glenn, Olivia Marie Glenn, James Pierce Overstreet, and Makenzie Myers Carter (Chess); six great grandchildren, William Foster Clark, Tobias Michael Clark, Sereana Cynthia Green, Arianna Kelera Green, Campbell Grace Carter, and Wallace Mack Carter. William is also survived by his brother Phillip Pierce (Cheryl) and sister, Dorothy Pierce Lowery, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of extended family and friends. William was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Visitation was held Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services celebrating William’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Sunrise Memorial Park. Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home directing.

Flowers will be accepted or donations in William’s memory may be made to Alacare Home Health & Hospice or to Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center in Greenville.

Online condolences may be made at www.dunklinanddanielsfh.com.