Al Stephen Pierce

Al Stephen Pierce

Kernersville

Al Stephen Pierce, 77, went home to be with the Lord July 27, 2014.

Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday July 31, 2014 at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Services Chapel with Rev. Ron McManus, Rev. Reginald Stone, and Pastor Mike Rakes officiating. Private Entombment will follow in the Eastlawn Gardens of Memory.

A native of Bertie County, Steve was the son of the late Annie Lyon and Loy Van Pierce. He graduated from Blowing Rock High School in 1954 and was the Class Salutatorian.

As a professional businessman he was the owner of several businesses prior to 1970. Steve found his calling in 1970 when he started his first Long Term Care Facility(Assisted Living). The first facility was in Kernersville, and he eventually became the largest private owner in North Carolina. By 1974 he had been elected President of the North Carolina Long Term Care Facilities, where he served for 18 years. He continued to serve on the Board until 2013, when he retired. He also served as the first President of the National Assisted Living Association.

He was given Honorary Appointments as Colonel of the Staff of Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington and Louisiana Governor John McKeithan, Attorney General to Rufus Edmisten in 1977, Lieutenant Governor Jimmy Green 1977, Attorney General to Rufus Edmisten in 1983, and Assistant Basketball Coach of the LSU Tigers in School Years 1968 & 1969.

In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his siblings Audrey Pierce, Guy Pierce, Chadwick Pierce, Raleigh Pierce, Ola Van Barbour, and Llewella Kelly.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 50 years, Mary Lou Pierce; children, Eddie Sauls and Mary, Guy Pierce and Jodi, Teresa Gurley and Mark, Vann Pierce and Jacqueline, and Candace Hammonds and William; grandchildren, Crystal and Jon, Jordan, Jenna, Stephanie, Heather, Drew, Kaelyn, Brandon, Chelsey, Hailey, Chase, and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Adam, Khloe, and Norah; sister, Rose Stone and Reginald; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Friends and family may sign, and view the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneral Service.com

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, Kernersville Stocking Fund, c/o John Owensby, 300 E. Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC, 27284, or Winston-Salem First Assembly of God, 3730 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106.

"The family wishes to thank the Dr. Angela Alistar at the Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center for the care given to Steve. Also, the staff at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for the short time they cared for our loved one."