J. Fred Pierce

1932 - 2018

J. Fred Pierce, retired Executive Vice President of WJCL, 85, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Sylvania, Georgia, son of John Hubert and Evelyn Pierce. The 1950 graduate of Savannah High School and 1954 graduate of Georgia Southern College lived most of his life in Savannah. In the early 60's, he began his career with WTOC Television in advertising. Mr. Pierce, along with Russ Fredrich, opened one of the first FM radio stations in Savannah, 97.3 WXLM, in 1968. Mr. Pierce continued his career in the early 70's with Lewis Broadcasting where he operated their flagship station WJCL ABC 22 and additionally as general manager of WTGS-Fox 28 and WGSA. He retired in 1999. Mr. Pierce was also president of Fred Pierce & Associates a broadcast consulting and real estate management firm.

He served his church and community in many various capacities. He was a member of Isle of Hope Baptist Church where he served as chairman, Board of Deacons and as a Trustee. He was a long-time resident of Isle of Hope and lead the effort to build the Isle of Hope Swimming Pool. He was past president and director of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and Savannah Chamber of Commerce. Past chairman of the Savannah Recreation Commission and the Mayor's Youth Opportunity Program and a member of the Mayor's Educational sub-committee on drug abuse, the Public Relations Division of the United Community Services, Georgia Cancer Management Network, the Senior Citizens Board of Directors, Rotary Club of Savannah, Candler Hospital Development Program, Marshlands Foundation, Exchange Club of Savannah and board of directors of Silent Witness, Georgia Baptist Foundation and the American Red Cross. Pierce also served as chairman of the Board of Directors of Savannah Christian Preparatory School, and Captain of the Savannah Quarterback Club.

A dedicated Georgia Southern alumnus, Mr. Pierce was recognized in Who's Who of American College and Universities, selected to the Georgia Southern University Athletic Hall of Fame, past president of the GSU Letterman's Club and served on the committee to get university status for Georgia Southern College. While attending Georgia Southern College, he served as president of the student body and president of the freshman class.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Folsom Pierce; son and daughter-in-law, Scott Pierce (Amy) all of Savannah; daughter, Cyndi Pierce Markowitz of North Augusta, SC; sister, Genie Pierce Platt; brother-in-law, Guy Platt of Hoschton, GA; grandchildren, Pierce Markowitz, (Lindsey) of North Augusta, SC; Hayley Markowitz of Atlanta, GA; Hayden Markowitz of Sarasota, FL; Grace Pierce of Canton, GA; Jack Pierce of Savannah; Daniel Bosch of Savannah; Gabriel Bosch of Savannah; great-grandchild, Aniston Markowitz of North Augusta, SC.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Isle of Hope Baptist Church.

Interment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or www.heart.org

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