Charles I. Pierce, Jr.

Published 5:14 pm Friday, March 27, 2020

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, serving 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; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two nephews, Matthew Moore and wife Laura of Marietta, GA and Spencer Moore of Memphis, TN; and two 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, and First Baptist Church of Ahoskie Music Fund, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC  27910, or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; then type Charles Pierce.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie, NC, is serving the pierce family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.