John William Pierce

Mr. John William Pierce, 78, died Friday, November 29, 2024, at New Albany and Health Rehab. The funeral will be Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Calvin Worthem officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Toccopola Church of the Living God Cemetery.

John was born on September 12, 1946, in Yocona, Mississippi, to the late Grace Lucille Campbell and Stanley Gathright Pierce. He served his country in the United States National Guard, before beginning his career as a truck driver. As a self-taught mechanic, John’s passion for vehicles went beyond his profession. He loved hot rods and project pieces, learning what he needed to along the way and always keeping his eye open for his next car. While he loved working in his shop, John valued his family and his faith above all else. He cherished his church, Toccopola Church of the Living God, where he faithfully and cheerfully attended. He was a past Master of the O.D. Smith Masonic Lodge, achieving the title of Knight’s Templer. The best girl dad around, John loved time spent with his daughters, sharing his knowledge of cars with them and teaching them how to fix anything on their own. He loved old family recipes that had been passed down through the years, especially his wife’s signature vinegar pie. The greatest blessing in John’s life was his beloved wife, Lela. Throughout their 34 years of marriage together, he never stopped spoiling her. From many date nights out, to the countless bouquets of yellow roses he brought home, he expressed daily just how much he loved her. John set the finest example as a husband, father, and grandfather, leaving a legacy filled with love and devotion to his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Hollinger.

John is survived by his wife, Lela Carolyn Pierce of Thaxton, MS; daughters, Melissa Potts of Myrtle, MS, Bonnie Klingbeil of Becker, MN, and Teresa Lovelace of Dorsey, MS; sister, Lucille Pierce of Water Valley, MS; eleven grandchildren, Xavier Pierce, Jonathan Pierce, Jamie Lenard, Nathan Lenard, Stacy Varner, Sasha Tyler, Maci Daughtery, Bentley Lovelace, Greyson Lovelace, Ruth Lovelace, and Alisa Lovelace; and seven great-grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to New Albany Health and Rehab Center, 118 South Glenfield Road, New Albany, Mississippi, 38652.

In honor of Mr. Pierce’s service, the flag of The United States National Guard will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.