C.V. Pearce

Mr. Pearce, 89, of Charlotte, NC, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC, after suffering a stroke.

Born in Franklinton, NC, on July 12, 1922, to William and Rebecca Rogers Pearce, C.V. was the youngest of fourteen children. C.V. was raised on an eastern NC farm where he learned early the rewards of hard work. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, C.V. returned home and met the love of his life, Ruby Holden. They were married for sixty-seven years and raised three children, their twin daughters, Lee and Lynne, and their son, Mark.

In 1967, C.V. founded Pearce Brokerage Company. When he wasn't working hard at his company, he was an avid gardener. Each year brought an abundant harvest of various vegetables, which he joyfully shared. First and foremost, C.V. was a family man. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was evident to all he encountered. "Poppy" instilled the value of education to all his grandchildren, and encouraged their successes. He was a faithful member of his church, serving as a Deacon and Elder for many years. He was also a proud Mason and Shriner and cherished the friendships fostered through his association with the East Gate Lodge and Oasis Shrine Temple.

C.V. remained physically active until the age of 85 when his first stroke left him confined to a wheelchair. Following his first stroke, he lived at The Haven at Carolina Place in Pineville, NC. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff at The Haven, as well as the staff at Levine and Dickson Hospice House for their compassionate care.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, from 1-2 p.m. at the Craig Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church, 3936 Craig Avenue, Charlotte, NC, followed by his funeral service. Dr. Nathan M. Frazier and Reverend Richard Shaw will officiate. Entombment will be in the Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum following Mr. Pearce's funeral service.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Holden Pearce, Charlotte, NC; his daughters, Lee Tolar (Doug), Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Lynne Hull (Len), Charlotte, NC; his son, Mark Pearce (Susan), Weddington, NC; his grandchildren, Meredith and Lauren Tolar; Whitney Hull Fulton (Sage); and Taylor and Caroline Pearce.

In addition to his parents and siblings, C.V. was predeceased by his grandson, Andrew Pearce Hull.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in C.V.'s memory be directed to either Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204, or to the Craig Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church, 3936 Craig Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28211-2504.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.