James Edward (Tony) Pierce

Mr. James Edward Pierce, Sr. (Tony) departed this life Thursday afternoon, October 9, 2014 at his home near Bolivar.

The husband of Stella J. Crowley Pierce, who survives, he was retired from the US Navy as an E-6 BM-1 where he served for 20 years. He was born July 12, 1937 in Memphis, son of the late Warner B. and Mary Atlis Simpson Pierce and lived all of his life in Hardeman County except for his time in the service. After his retirement, he spent his time keeping the recliner mounted to the floor and taking care of his family. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and dearly loved his family and grandchildren. Mr. Pierce was a member of New Union Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, whom he married on December 26, 1959, survivors include a daughter and her husband, Gloria (Randy) Avent of Bolivar; two sons and a daughter in law, James Edward Pierce, Jr. of Bolivar and Charles Allen (Lisa) Pierce of Ringgold, GA; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Raymond Todd Pierce, and a brother, Clyde Elmer Pierce. The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or The Wounded Warrior Project www.WoundedWarriorProject.org/donate.