Search by Name

Search by Name

WILLIAM JONES PEARCE

1926 - 2010

WILLIAM JONES PEARCE obituary, 1926-2010

BORN

1926

DIED

2010

WILLIAM PEARCE Obituary

William Jones Pearce was born May 20, 1926, the youngest son of itinerant Methodist minister Dr. Rowan Pearce and pianist mother, Almeda Jones Pearce. He died on February 23, 2010 with family by his side.

Bill was raised in Carlisle, PA, struggled in school and found he was motivated more by sound than sight when presented with his first trombone at age 10. He then joined his family group of trumpet players accompanied by their mother on the piano.

As a teenager, with no formal music training, he was intrigued by the jazz sounds of Tommy Dorsey and Harry James, and soon created his own signature sound. He enjoyed recalling many afternoons relegated to the garage as a result of his early trombone "sounds" mimicking a B-17 bomber buzzing his family home.

Bill's trademark solo trombone sound is lyrical, smooth, and soars into high octave ranges with a slide vibrato that sounds more like a human voice than an instrument. His "singing" trombone is known in both Christian and secular music circles for its one of a kind sound. Today, Bill has become one of the most recorded solo trombonists of the 20th century with over 30 albums to his name, along with 50 years of radio broadcasting.

At age 18, Bill enlisted and served 2 ½ years in the US Marine Corp. While stationed in Hawaii awaiting deployment to Iow Jima with his combat unit, he was pulled out for service with the Marine Corp Band until his discharge. This led to traveling for 1 year as a soloist with the Bob Crosby Band.

Bill attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for 2 years and quickly found a niche broadcasting for the school's radio station, WMBI, where he remained for 25 years, and where he met and married Patricia Kopulos, a nursing student at Swedish Covenant Hospital.

In the 70's, Bill Pearce Associates founded the radio ministry "Nightsounds" which today reaches over 500 radio outlets across the country, Canada, and overseas, and spans 3 generations of listeners.

"Nightsounds" is expected to remain on the air for many years continuing to reach listeners with God's message using Bill's deep, resonant and reassuring voice. His humble nature and soft music in the late night hours continue to emotionally move listeners, and his topics such as singleness, pride, suicide, divorce, and romance, remain timeless.

Bill's ministry included vocal and trombone recordings with Dick Anthony, The Melody Four Quartet, The 16 Singing men, and was featured musically at various crusades with Dr. Billy Graham, as the concept of God and music grew.

In 1992, Bill was inducted into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in recognition of his many accomplishments in radio broadcasting.

Bill is survived by Patricia Pearce and their 6 children, Marcia (husband Dr. Morrie) Johnson, Bryan (wife Lisa) Pearce, Laurie (husband Mike) Spejcher, Shannon Pearce, Glenn (wife Nina) Pearce and Randy (wife Kriss) Pearce. He is survived by 14 grandchildren, 3 of whom are Mount Vernon residents; Ryan, Connor and Erin Johnson. Bill is survived by a brother Dr. Rowan (wife Jeanne) Pearce, Jr., brother-in-law, Paul Hopkins, multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and just recently his beloved sister Jeanne Hopkins in 2009.

I love you Dad, and will close by using your words at the end of each broadcast; "This is Nightsounds saying goodnight, and may God bless you as our Lord and Savior watches over you until we meet again".

Condolences and donations can be sent to Nightsounds, P.O. Box 29, Wheaton, IL 60187.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Mar. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM PEARCE

Not sure what to say?





Gregory Oglesby

March 30, 2025

I just want to say that Bill Pearce, through Jesus Christ spoke to me every night and calmed my nerves of going to School, I really disliked School with bullies that we had in district 11. My parents had NightSounds on every single night and he had that calm, soothing voice to put me to sleep. I believe that Bill Pearce was chosen by God to help me get through some hard times. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for men like Bill Pearce and Billy Graham and my Parents who helped me grow up to be a Christian man today. I can't wait to meet you in heaven Bill to thank you.

Len Hummel

December 15, 2022

I fondly remember the unique and wonderful Bill Pearce of Nightsounds radio broadcast. He had that sincere and conversational touch in all he did. It is timeless and deeply Christian. Hope to see Bill soon in Heaven. Still enjoy hearing Nightsounds on youtube and other places!

Wayne Roberts

November 6, 2021

Bill and his late night radio broadcast made a big differnece in my life bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ into my heart. I am Looking forward to seeing Bill in heaven one day soon!

Min. Millie Mccrainey

August 4, 2020

I'm so happy to be able to enjoy Night Sounds, it is really a blessing to me to able to listen and gleam from Dr. Pearce's music and Songs. Among other Recordings and Poetry ! Great encouragement and Wisdom from above. Absent from the body....and Present with the Lord !!! Even now, his work has a profound effect on me, as if he were still here with us; and I can just reach out and talk to him. Dr. Pearce I will get with you in Heaven. "After I see my God !!! "

Carolyn Swanson

March 5, 2010

We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We enjoyed very much his wonderful trombone,and his words of encouragement and comfort. I remember the lovely concert he gave at Bethany Covenant Church a number of years ago. Bill was connected with my uncle John W. Peterson through the ministry they both had at WMBI. Bill often played uncle John's songs, and we loved to hear him play them.
We rejoice though saddened for a while, knowing we will see him and his golden trombone again, in Heaven.

Carolyn and Dennis Swanson

Steve Guffy

March 3, 2010

Bill Pearce had the voice of Heaven. He
was there everynight for the past 30
years with words that made you fell better. Now he is talking with the Lord.
His ministry will live for ever,with the lifes that his program has saved.
Till we meet again. Peace Brother Bill

Don Forster

March 3, 2010

Bill Pearce had many musical gifts. I have enjoyed playing his arrangement of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" for trombone. His recording of this Spiritual is incomparable. Thanks to God for his long ministry of music!

Lori Hunt

March 2, 2010

I can't tell you how sad I am to hear of your father's passing. As I write, the tears fill my eyes. He meant more to folks by radio than anyone but God could ever know. I greive with your family and rejoice with you too, knowing we will again be with the great Bill Pearce. Nehemiah 8:10b ...the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in WILLIAM PEARCE's name

Memorial Events
for WILLIAM PEARCE

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor WILLIAM PEARCE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more