James S. Pierce Jr.

James S. Pierce Jr. SUNBURY - James Staley Pierce Jr., 74, of the 140 block of Silver Springs Road, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 in his home. Mr. Pierce was born in Gates County and was the son of the late James S. Sr. and Ora Hobbs Pierce. A retired farmer, he was a faithful member of Beulah Baptist Church where he had served as chairman of the board of deacons, superintendent of Sunday school, and as a Trustee. A former member of the Sunbury Ruritan Club, he had served on the Gates County Board of Education, was an eight year member of the Gates County Board of Commissioners and had served as it's chairman, had served as a delegate for five years on the Albemarle Commission, and was a member of the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1964 to 2008 serving as its chief numerous times. An Army veteran, he had received its Expert Pistol Badge, and was proud of his service on the military honor guard. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Helen Hofler Pierce; two daughters, Kirby-lynn Pierce Parker and husband Jack and Staley-marie Pierce White and husband Robie, a sister, Sarah Leigh Slinger; and two grandchildren, Pierce Jarrett Parker and Sarah Elizabeth White, all of Sunbury. A funeral will be held Monday at 4 p.m. in Beulah Baptist Church by the Revs. Tom Hall and Ron Parr. Burial will follow in Damascus Christian Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, and all other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the memorial fund of Beulah Baptist Church, in care of Mary Ellen Briggs, 421 Acorn Hill Road, or to the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Dept., in care of Tom Perry, 270 NC Hwy. 32 North, both in Sunbury, NC 27979. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.