George Dick Pierce

It is with great sadness to say Mr. G. Dick Pierce, 82, died May 15, 2007 at his residence. George Dick Pierce or Dick as he preferred, was born in Topeka, Kansas on November 30, 1924. Dick was the 3rd and youngest son of Esther Rodgers Pierce and Robert Stevens Pierce. After graduating from Topeka High School, he was drafted into service by the US Army in July 1943. He served in England, France, Luxembourg, and Germany as a forward observer in the 14th Field Artillery Battalion attached to the 3rd Army, from the landing in France by the Allied Forces until after the war in Europe ended. He was awarded the Bronze Star during his service in Europe. Following his return home to Topeka, he attended and graduated from Kansas State College (now University) with a degree in Horticulture. He married Virginia Jean Bramwell, daughter of Grace Fry and Harold Ezra Bramwell, on August 29, 1948. After completion of his studies in 1949, Virginia and Dick moved to Topeka where he was employed by a local florist. During this time, their son William Kent was born, October 31, 1950. In September of 1951, they moved to Monroe, North Carolina where Dick became the working manager of Sally Mac Farms Greenhouses owned by Mr. and Mrs. Norvin K. Dickerson. On July 15, 1953, their daughter, Kathryn Jean was born. Dick and Viringia became active members of the Monroe community. They immediately joined First Presbyterian Church, and he served his church in many ways and offices. He faithfully served the church many years as an Elder. Dick was active in the Little Theater, member of various civic clubs, served 13 years as a member (two as Chairman) of the Monroe City Schools Board of Education. He served as the President of the N.C. Commercial Flower Growers Association and strongly influenced its organization. He was raised a Master Mason on March 10, 1951 in Siloam Lodge #225, Topeka, KS. He transferred his membership to Monroe Lodge #244. He became a Scottish Rite Mason on March 12, 1964 and has served that organization in many positions and offices over the years. On October 23, 1975, he became an Honorary 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Other Masonic organizations of which he was a member were: Knights Templar, Royal Arch Mason, Royal and Select Master, Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Royal Order of Scotland and served on many committees of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. After his retirement, he served his community and county volunteering to work with the American Red Cross, Loaves and Fishes, Habitat for Humanity, and Election Polls. He, and a few friends, volunteered to build handicap ramps for the Council on Aging and Union County Social Services. Together they built 78 ramps in Union County. Dick enjoyed working with his hands, and although never and expert, he would attempt various wood working projects. Dick is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Virginia Jean Pierce; son, William Kent Pierce, wife Sherri Leigh Pierce, their children Tiffany and Codie Grimsley all of Fayetteville, NC; daughter, Kathryn Jean Harris, husband Thomas Gregory Harris, their children Kelly Ginn Slusher, husband Kyle Jacob Slusher, Gregory Pierce Harris, and Kimberly Nicole Harris; a great grandson Grayson Jacob Slusher, all of Monroe, NC; a brother Robert S. Pierce, Jr. and wife Margie McCortney Pierce of Las Vegas, Nevada. A memorial service to honor Dick’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Graveside services with Masonic rites will follow at Forest Lawn East in Matthews. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, Riverside Hispanic Ministry, 302 E. Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112, The American Red Cross, 608 E. Franklin St., Monroe, NC 28112 or the Charlotte Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center, 4740 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211. Gordon Funeral Cremation Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Pierce family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Published online on May 15, 2007 courtesy of Gordon Funeral Service, Inc. .