Ira J. Pierce

Published 9:57 am Monday, June 30, 2014

Ira J. Pierce passed away peacefully at 7:10 a.m. at home on Saturday, June 21, 2014, surrounded by family and friends. He was born Jan. 12, 1931, the youngest son of Ira J. Pierce Sr. and Lucy Fortenberry Pierce and the youngest of 15 children.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Jean Pierce; sons, Robert Robertson (Pauline) and Charles Pierce (Sarah); and one sister, Mary Ruth Magee (W.O.).

I.J. was a longtime resident of Washington Parish, where was em-ployed by the paper mill for 43 years. For the past 10 years, I.J. and Jean resided in Bran-son, Mo., where they were members of Branson Baptist Church.

He worked at Silver Dollar City, where his love of people provided him with the opportunity to make many friends.

I.J. was Past Wor-shipful Master at Sun Masonic Lodge and a member of the Branson Masonic Lodge, Branson Shriners Club, Baton Rouge Shriners Club and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

In memory, friends and relatives can make donations to a charity of their choice or to Bible Education and Missionary Services (BEAMS) P.O. Box 10200 Gulfport, MS 39505.