Obituary

In life too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around. If you knew David Pierce, you never left his presence feeling a lack of any of those. Above all, his kindness and “quirky” sense of humor allowed him to make his mark on everyone he met. On July 2, 2024, David joined some of Heaven’s guardian angels already watching over the Pierce family, to include his late wife of 27 years Pamela, and Beth’s late husband, Jerry. David is survived by the biggest blessing his family could have received after losing his first wife, Beth, who gave unwavering care, love, and companionship to him for 18 + years. His daughter Ashley, husband Harper and grand-daughter Ryan meant more than the world to him. Ashley’s mother gave her the drive, but her father gave her the dreams-and boy was he proud of his “Tiny” and her accomplishments.

David was the kind of man that turned adversity into opportunity. Growing up a type 1 diabetic at the age of 6 he would conquer and push the limits on his diabetes. He had setbacks but continued to look ahead at his next challenge. David taught everyone that our most profound losses are survivable. And what we do with the loss is what builds us as people. His life was beautiful, sharing travel with his family during his work with the U.S. Navy’s Inspector Generals office as a GS-15, supporting Ashley’s softball games from Beale Park to Roanoke College as her biggest fan, tied with Pamela, sharing his love for God within his marriage with Beth, getting to spend time with Ryan, his “twig” and being the best dog father to Reagan and the “Golden Girls”.

A Richmond, Virginia native, he spent his final years with his wife Beth exploring the tastes of local restaurants and fellowship of friends in the communities where they lived. His golden retriever’s, Reagan, Abbey, and Harley kept his house and heart alive. The simple pleasures in life kept him happy, and that is a reminder to us all to just be present. The most valuable gift during life you can give to others is your time. David’s time spent with all was intentional and precious, and he cherished his days with those he loved.

If David had final words, he would want you to ensure you have antifreeze in your car or air in your tires, remember to spend time with your family and children, call to just “check in” (but make sure the facetime call is not just of your forehead and your whole face) and make a toast to enduring friendships lifelong and beyond.

The family requests any donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of David and all those fighting this incurable disease. A celebration of life will be held at a later date by the family.