Shawn Donald Pierce

Shawn Donald Pierce, 59, passed peacefully in his sleep on February 25, 2026, and woke up in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

Born in Bellevue, OH, Shawn lived life to the fullest. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1985 and went on to study Metallurgical Engineering at The Ohio State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. 

He worked as a welding engineer in Indiana before being transferred to South Carolina in 1997 as the corporate metallurgist for the Dana Corporation. In 2004, he accepted a position in Fort Mill with the German company Schaeffler Group, where he spent the next 22 years, ultimately serving as the Lead Corporate Metallurgist for the Americas Division.

Shawn was a generous man who embraced every day with gratitude, humor, and lasting faith. He was one of a kind—a positive force of energy, completely selfless, absolutely compassionate, and a dependable father, son, friend, and life partner. Whether with lifelong friends, beloved family, or strangers he had just met, Shawn had a unique way of making everyone feel valued, accepted, and loved. To know him was to be blessed by his light and touched by his positivity in the face of adversity.

He was completely surrendered to Christ and attended Elevation Church Riverwalk, where his love for Christ guided his life and relationships. Shawn also devoted his time volunteering at a local homeless shelter, serving others with compassion and humility. His faith was not only something he believed—it was something he lived out daily. He began each morning in prayer and Bible study as he nurtured his personal relationship with Christ, often sharing a verse or devotional to offer encouragement or an uplifting word to someone who needed it.

Shawn was a devoted father to his three children—Connor, Jared, and Sarah—as well as his stepdaughter, Arianna Hays—who remained his greatest joy and most cherished legacy. He poured himself wholeheartedly into fatherhood, offering steady guidance, unconditional love, and a supportive presence in every season of their lives. Whether celebrating accomplishments, offering comfort during challenges, or sharing simple day-to-day moments, Shawn created a home and a life where his children always felt seen, valued, and deeply loved. His relationship with them shaped the way he lived each day, and his influence is reflected in the strength, kindness, and compassion they carry forward. They will forever be a living testament to his love and the example he set through his life and faith.

Whether boating on the lake, driving his convertible Mustang to the beach for a few relaxing days, or sitting on the back deck overlooking his cherished piece of Lake Wylie, Shawn enjoyed life to the fullest. He captured every memory he could with a photo, sharing the joy of life with others and creating beautiful memories everywhere he went.

Shawn’s laughter and smile lit up every room. His presence was bigger than life, and his generosity showed how deeply he cared for people. His unwavering positive spirit in the face of his enduring battle with cancer was an inspiration to all who knew him. The impact he made on the lives of so many continues to be felt today, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will never be forgotten. Shawn will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched.

Shawn is survived by his fiancée, Rebecca Williamson, with whom he found renewed happiness and a true love rooted in a shared foundation of faith. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, understanding, and hopes for the future. Rebecca remained lovingly by his side throughout his final days.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda Konst Pierce; their marriage was a testament to devotion and friendship. He is also preceded in death by his father, Marion “Pee Wee” Pierce, who left him with countless fond memories. Shawn is survived by his mother, Judi Pierce, along with aunts, cousins, and countless friends who felt more like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Garrison Ballroom @ Tega Cay (formerly the Glennon Center), 15077 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708, on March 15, 2026, from 2–5pm. The family invites all who knew Shawn to attend and share memories. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Sarcoma Foundation of America or a local homeless shelter of your choice.