Carl Bland Pearce

Carl Bland Pearce, 88, of Raleigh passed away Friday, June 27, 2025 after a brief illness. Carl grew up in Wake Forest and graduated from Wake Forest High School in 1955. There he played baseball, where he cultivated a lifetime love for sports.
Carl proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, whereas a trained Radar Technician, he gained lifelong work skills. Following the Army, he graduated from Hardbarger Business College with a Data Processing Degree. His business career began at ITT Telecommunications in Raleigh. He was later hired by the N.C. Department of the Treasury as a Data Processing Manager until his retirement.
Carl enjoyed an active life and retirement with many interests and hobbies, primarily UNC Tar Heel Sports. He and his beloved wife, Mabel traveled the country following his favorite teams. With humor and a mischievous wit, he was often known to joke with family and friends who were fans of other NC College Teams. Later in life, he was fortunate to meet Marian Lane, who continued to enrich his life with love, travel, and family.
Other hobbies included coin collecting, "playing the lottery," Las Vegas trips, and Preakness trips with the Brentwood father-son crew. He was considered "lucky" as he often "hit big". At home, he enjoyed yard work, family and befriending the neighborhood squirrels.
Carl was predeceased by his parents, Simon Bland and Mary Susan White Pearce of Wake Forest and Youngsville. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Mabel George Pearce of Rolesville, and his grandson, Blake Michael Pearce, and his brother, Sherwood Donald Pearce ( Donnie ).
The large family who will always cherish his memory and legacy are Timothy Carl Pearce and his wife Teresa, Michael George Pearce and his fiancé, Amy Lindsey; his sister, Mary Elizabeth Daniel and her husband, Carl; their son, Christopher Scott Daniel and his wife, Shelly; his grandchildren, Shawn Beland, and his wife Meredith; Alexandra Hope Pearce; Patrick Pearce and his wife, Mariam, and Lindsey Pearce. Carl's extended family includes seven great grandchildren: his sister-in-law, Marcia Cole Pearce and nieces, Anita and Dianne, and their children. Marian Lane of Fuquay was his devoted and loving fiancé of many years. He cherished his relationships with her daughters, Donna, Terri, and Ginger as well as the extended family.
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 6 to 8 PM at Bright's Funeral Home. A "Celebration of Carl's Life" Service will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:00PM in the Bright Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Al Thomas. Carl will be laid to rest privately with his wife, Mabel, after the service.
The family wishes to thank the Lane family for their incredible love and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gary Sinise Foundation or The Foundation of Hope.