Tarik S. Pierce

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Tarik S. Pierce who transitioned on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Mr. Tarik Saeed Pierce was born March 11, 1978 in Florence, S.C. He was the son of Eugene W. Pierce, Jr. and Yvette Hammonds Pierce. Tarik was a 1996 graduate of Wilson High School and graduated with honors. Continuing his education at Clemson University, he received his undergraduate degree in Financial Management in 2001 and a master's degree in Human
Resources and Development in 2003.
Tarik cherished his family and friends and shared many memorable moments with them, establishing relationships that will remain forever. Although he is no longer physically present with us, his spirit will always be with those whose lives he touched.
Remembering him are his father, Gene Pierce, who resides in Conway, S.C., mother, Elder Yvette Pierce, Lumberton, N.C.; his twin brother, Malik Pierce, Florence, S.C., and his oldest brother, Atiba (Tawan) Pierce, Quinby, S.C. His aunts and uncles include LaMaris (Curtis) Eagleton, Florence, SC.; Veronica Hammonds, Fairburn, GA; Robert (Freda) Hammonds, Durham, N.C.; Chip (Lorraine) Hammonds, Charlotte, N.C; Nimrod (Lorraine) Hammonds, Riverview, FL.; Sonya Hammonds, Charlotte, N.C.; and Jerry Pierce, Philadelphia, PA.
His nephews are Zyon Pierce, Florence, S.C.; Zori Pierce (special), Lamar, S.C.; Rychan Gregg- Pierce, Columbia, S.C.; Ian Pierce, Florence, S.C.; Christopher Dixon, Goose Creek, S.C.; and niece, Christianna Dixon, Florence, S.C. Tarik's cousins, whom he loved dearly, include Rasheed (Phaedra) Hammonds and their children; Journe Hammonds and her children, Jerika Hammonds; Simaya Hammonds, Chenelle Hammonds; Briana Hammonds, Kitana Hammonds and child; Shantel Davis and children; and many other cousins and relatives.
Tarik was a member of the marching bands at both Wilson High School and his beloved Clemson University, where he was the captain for one year, and a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. He was also engaged in other extracurricular, scholarly, and leadership activities at both institutions.
After graduating from Clemson, Tarik moved to Washington, D.C. This became the place where he thrived and impacted the lives of so many. This was the place where he was able to love and beloved; the place where he was nurtured while he nurtured; and the place where he could experience life to its fullness because of his varied experiences and opportunities. He befriended people and they befriended him, from varying backgrounds and cultures. He was an explorer and an innovator
who wanted more for others, as well as for himself. As was also during his high school years, he was a leader, an encourager, lifting people up when they felt as if they were sinking. His physical presence will be missed by all, but more especially by those with whom he shared close spaces in D.C. - his beloved community.
He worked as a Program Analyst/Human Resources Consultant with Advanced Resource Technologies, Inc.; a Workforce Development Specialist, and Training Officer with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Most recently, he was a Curriculum and Competency Manager/Lead with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
His energy was tireless and effortless as he thoroughly delighted himself in ALL that he did. Tarik co- founded the annual D.C. Pub Crawlin' for Tots in 2009, an event where over 200 people participated annually. Over the years, more than $50,000 has been raised for the Children's National Hospital, and thousands of toys have been donated to the Toys for Tots charity.
In 2011, after founding his Stonewall Kickball team, JTT, Tarik organized and led biannual fundraisers that have raised more than $100,000 for The Wanda Alston Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides pre-independent transitional living and support services to homeless or at- risk LGBTQ+ youth ages 18 to 24 in DC.
Tarik was honored in 2022 with the Capital Pride Hero Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who have furthered causes important to the LGBTQ community in the national capital region. These heroes have brought about positive changes to our lives and our community.
Additionally, he was an avid supporter, volunteer, and/or advocate for the Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL), LGBTQ Victory Fund, Capital Pride Alliance, Stonewall Sports, the Seventeenth Street Festival, DC High Heel Race, and Human Rights Campaign. Tarik's life was one well-lived and well-loved.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.
Please keep the Pierce family in your thoughts and prayers.
Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc. 106 E. Darlington Street, Florence, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family.