Paul Timothy Pierson

Paul T. Pierson, age 77, of Knoxville, passed away to be with the Lord on February 2, 2026. He was laid to rest at the Narrow Ridge Natural Burial Preserve. A devoted Christian, Paul was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.

Paul was born on August 24, 1948, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Rev. Raymond and Martha Pierson. He graduated from Reitz High School in Evansville, Indiana, before attending the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a BS in Architecture. On June 10, 1972, he married Judith Ann Smith in New Albany, Indiana. They remained faithfully married for 50 years until her passing in 2022, and together they raised two daughters, Shannon and Jordan.

A dedicated architect, Paul was an active member of both the AIA and CSI until his retirement. His career took him to firms in Baltimore, Maryland; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Knoxville, Tennessee. He also served the community as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee, teaching special topics in architecture. In his free time, Paul enjoyed gardening, photography, attending church, and serving on various local boards.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Pierson; and his wife, Judith (Smith) Pierson.

He is survived by his daughters, Shannon Vierling (Michael) and Jordan Goff (Matthew); his grandchildren, Hayley, Adam, Lukas, Molly, and Audrey; his brother, Dr. Marc Pierson; his sisters, Mary Kaye Jenkins (Pat) and Becky Pierson-Treacy (Ed); and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, at Cokesbury UMC, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

Click Funeral Home Middlebrook Chapel is honored to serve the family of Paul Pierson.