Raymond O. Pierce

Raymond O. Pierce, Jr. M.D.

died peacefully at Indiana University Hospital on October 18, 2014 at the age of 83.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Geraldine Brundidge Pierce; five children, Raymond O. Pierce, III, Gregory W. Pierce, LeAnnette M. Pierce, Geralyn R. Pierce, Lori Anne Pierce; and a sister, Francis Pierce-Reddix of Monroe, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond O. Pierce, Sr.; his mother, Ollie Thomas Pierce; and his sister, Arnetta Pierce Amin of Monroe, Louisana.

Dr. Pierce was born on May 31, 1931 in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from Fisk University in 1951 with a degree in Biology and from Meharry Medical College in 1955. He completed an internship at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri followed by residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Travis Air Force Base and at the University of Iowa while serving in the United States Air Force.

He married Geraldine Brundidge in 1955 and they eventually settled in Indianapolis, Indiana where Dr. Pierce established a thriving practice in Orthopedic Surgery. In 1970 he was appointed Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Wishard Memorial Hospital. He subsequently started a career in teaching and research as a professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine. While there, became a nationally respected expert in Orthopedic Surgery, particularly in the field of trauma. He contributed to medical text books and authored numerous research publications.

He was a member of several medical organizations including, The National Medical Association, The American Medical Association, The Aesculapian Medical Society, The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, The International College of Surgeons, The American Trauma Society and The American Orthopedic Association. He was a founding member of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopedic Society and served as an examiner for the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. In 1991, Dr. Pierce was invited to serve on the Advisory Committee for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control.

Dr. Pierce was very active in many civic activities in Indianapolis including being instrumental in the founding of the Indianapolis Sickle Cell Center and Martin University. He served on many boards including state councils on Black and Minority Health, a commission on health care in penal institutions and he was an original member of the Multicultural Minority Commission for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He was a supportive member of Holy Angels, St. Monica and St. Rita Parishes in Indianapolis. Dr. Pierce was the recipient of many awards and honors including being twice named a Sagamore of the Wabash by governor's Robert Orr (1984) and Frank O'Bannon (2001).

In addition to his wife and children, Dr. Pierce leaves behind seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who remember him as a kind, gentle and humble man who supported them and encouraged them to pursue their goals.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Saturday October 25, 2014 at St. Monica Catholic Church with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at Stuart Mortuary Chapel from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2013. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dr. Raymond Pierce's life. Interment at Washington Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Eskenazi Health Foundation (EskenaziHealthFoundation.org) in Honor of Raymond O. Pierce, Jr., M.D.