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David Pierce Obituary
Ashland City, TN
David Wayne Pierce finished his final and greatest book on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at about 6 p.m., surrounded by his family and friends. He was 54.
He was a gifted writer with three most notable books, Salvage, To Kill A Zombie, and Don't Let Me Go, along with dozens of stories in mystery magazines like Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen. But his best work he saved for the end and wrote his last words with courage and grace.
David's story began on May 1, 1960 at General Hospital in Nashville, TN. He graduated from Cheatham County High School in 1978 and Tennessee State University in 1982. He went on to earn a MA at MTSU and returned to teach English Literature at MTSU, Taylor University and Western Kentucky University. David travelled the world for faith, fishing, and with his family, making several trips to Africa, Israel, and South America. He loved fishing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, wood working and the outdoors. But mainly he loved to write. Over the last few months he wrote, and worked, and loved, and battled heroically at his cabin retreat near Ashland City, Tennessee, he named, The Funny Farm.
His stories were often about his beloved wife, Chonda Pierce, and their children, Chera Pierce Meredith and David Zachary Pierce. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Hawkins; his brother, John and two sisters, Debbie and Sarah; his son-in-law, Craig and two grandsons, Sawyer and Conner.
His stories were influenced greatly by his father, David Ray Pierce and his mother-in-law, Virginia Farless, who finished their stories in Heaven before he arrived.
David's story is not over. We will celebrate the book of his life at Cheatham County Funeral Home in Ashland City, with visitation on Friday from 3-8 and a storybook send off on Saturday, July 26th at 11 a.m., followed by a private graveside service. Afterwards, we will keep adding chapters to our stories because he taught us to live, to love the outdoors and to write.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Pierce
Darlene Newton
July 20, 2023
I know David is still deeply missed and we continue to pray for healing in your family. You all lost so much more than just him.
Gregory "Greg" Garofalo
October 6, 2021
Dear Chonda and Family, I know it has been over seven years since your dear David's Homegoing. I just want to take a moment to thank you for your beautiful sharing of his life with yours and letting the world we currently inhabit see what it means to stand strong together in marriage before our Lord and King! Heavenly Father continue to bless and keep all of you now and forever!
Darlene Newton
July 19, 2020
Know that he is remembered and you all are still prayed for. May the God he faithfully served bring continued healing just a David would desire.
A. Williams
June 13, 2015
May the Lord continue to strengthen you and the family. He is more than able.
Sharon Parkins
March 16, 2015
Chonda,
My daughter, Meggie, (also a PK) and I spoke with you after a show you did here in Michigan several years ago. She told you we had not had a vacation in a long time and you invited us to come visit the Funny Farm. David met us there in his jeep and showed us all around. Told us where to dig our worms, the rope swing down by the lake and to 'make yourselves at home.' We loved that trails were named after the kids.
We watched your videos when it rained, went fishing and slept in.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to give David a hug and tell him, "thank you!"
God bless you and hold you close.
Love,
Sharon Parkins and family
(Pastor Kevin, K.C., Shana, Megan, and Grant)
Val Tracy
December 3, 2014
Dear Chonda, My heart aches for you. I will be praying for you. With love and care.
Kate B.
November 22, 2014
My heart breaks for you and your family. Strength and love in this difficult time.
Kristy Sipe
August 30, 2014
Dear Chonda,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Words cannot express what you are going thru. Just know that he is not suffering and is with your loving Father in Heaven and is watching over you and your loved ones until you can all be together again.
Kristy Sipe
August 30, 2014
Dear Chonda,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Words cannot express what you are going thru. Just know that he is not suffering and is with your loving Father in Heaven and is watching over you and your loved ones until you can all be together again.
Pat Warren
August 26, 2014
Chonda, Chera, Zachery and to all the members of the Pierce family.
I only know David thru Chonda's work, but I learned about him and respected him for helping to share God's Word thru her public speaking appearances.
I appreciated all the behind the scenes work he did to grow their ministery.
I can't imagine the heartache you are going thru at this time, but, I heard Chonda one time about sitting in her Heavenly daddy's lap, and that is where David is today.
On his daddy God's lap.
I will continue to pray for you all.
May God bless you all at this time.
August 3, 2014
Chonda, I lost my husband of only 15 yrs last October. The pain is more than I would have imagined. Cannot imagine your pain, so sorry.
Wanda Ross
July 30, 2014
Chonda,
You and yours are in my prayers. Shared your updates of David's condition on Facebook and so many of my friends have been praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing yourself with us at this time.. Lifting you up to God for the peace only He can give..
Darlene Newton
July 30, 2014
Standing in the gap and knowing that the God David served is strong enough to hold you all.
Linda Richards
July 30, 2014
God never promise us that we would never go through the loss of one so dear to us, but He did promise He would be with through the storm of grieving. My heart is heavy as you... Love and comfort to you dear sis in Christ.
Vicky Ladewig
July 30, 2014
Chonda, I posted on your Facebook page but you probably didn't see it. You don't know me, but my mother was David's cousin. My grandmother was his Aunt Rachel. My mother was Dean. We lost her in April after a year long battle with cancer. I just wanted you to know you have been in our hearts and prayers throughout David's illness. The last time I saw him was when Zach was a baby. We went to the Cat Farm for a reunion. If you ever feel the need to escape from the world, come down to Texas and we'll get a beach house for a week and chill out. I am so sorry for your loss and heartache, but we will have another reunion in Heaven and all will be wonderful!
Jenese Miller
July 28, 2014
You won't remember me...we met only once. But I have enjoyed your ministry for many years. I have not lost a husband...but I have lost my beautiful daughter...and others...so loss is not new to me...or to you. You know that God will be closer to you than ever before. What I want to say to you is that you have been a true and honest example of how a Christian handles sorrow and grief. May God, in these last days, show us all that we must be SAFE together as a family...that our struggles must not be hidden or cloaked under a veneer of "religion"...but that we are HIS...issues and all. And that not only does our precious Father love us through it all...but we must love each other unconditionally and take the masks off. We are family...and when one hurts we all hurt. May God bless you and be with you and your family...may He wrap His arms around you and hold you closely to Himself. Your husband was blessed to have had you, as you were blessed to have been with him. I love you sweet girl. Prayers will be going up day and night for you.
Teresa Williams
July 28, 2014
Keep writing....we are praying.
Sonya Banks
July 27, 2014
Chonda, I have followed you through your whole entertainment ministry and I stayed with you through David's illness. I pray God will help you find the strength to move on. I love you!
Laura Hall
July 27, 2014
Prayers for peace hear on earth. Rejoicing that David is in God's presence.
Barb Chapman
July 27, 2014
Chonda, I have followed your posts during David's illness. May heart breaks for you and the rest of your family. You have blessed me and so many others. May God comfort you during this difficult time. I met you in Ft. Worth at a James Robison taping and you are one of my hero's of the faith.
Jeanie Brooks
July 26, 2014
My heart aches for you, Chonda, and everyone that adored David. I love you! Jeanie Brooks
July 26, 2014
Chonda,you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We started out in New Beginnings at W.O.C. together. You and David illuminated the love of Christ from the very beginning. David led a group of young men in the youth group and my son Michael was one of them. David was a great influence in Michaels life so much that he wanted to never leave that group. Many lives have been impacted for the Kingdom of God through yours and David's witness for Christ and love for people. Thank you and David and I praise God for the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. Rest in His arms as He cradles you during this time my sister, my friend. I pray for grace and strength as you go through this time.
Elizabeth Sharp Murfreesboro Tn.
July 26, 2014
Praying for your broken heart??
HIS love never fails
and David's love will always be with you
Deneene Herring
Dillon, South Carolina
Bonnie Chappell
July 26, 2014
Chonda, You've influenced me greatly since 2005. I only hope you can feel my prayers for you, Chera, Zach, & the entire family! My heart aches for you dear, sweet sister. I've been where you are & can say, with 100% certainty, it gets easier. "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Love you, Bon
Rachel Tanner
July 26, 2014
Chonda and family....our prayers have been with you as we followed your postings the last couple weeks. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying God will keep all of you close to His heart and wrapped in His arms. We didn't have the pleasure of knowing David, but have heard so many good things about him. Take His peace thru all of this.
Susan Jordan-Scowden
July 26, 2014
The psalmist tells us that "JOY comes in the morning" and I truly believe that but I also would like to add that "JOY comes in our mourning." Because of the peace that passes ALL understanding, we can have joy that comes in the our mourning as well. You KNOW that you KNOW your precious husband is with our Lord. That is true JOY and it will get you through these hard days that are ahead. May God wrap His loving arms around you daily. Prayers are still being lifted up for you and your family.
Fran Richter
July 26, 2014
Chonda-Please know you are especially in my prayers today. Funeral days are extremely hard. Bob & I went with you & David to Israel in 2005. My Bob died Aug. 2010 so I know what you are going through. What I can tell you is HOLD TIGHT to all your fond memories of him.
Your entire family is in my prayers.
Michael Potts
July 26, 2014
It was a shock reading about David's passing in the paper online. I knew David from The Writer's Loft program at MTSU. He was very kind and encouraging to new writers. I pray for David's family and friends in their loss.
John & Pam Jeffries
July 25, 2014
Chonda, Chera, & Zach. I have no words. Please know that I am praying for you and have been for the past 3 weeks. So much regret that we lost touch years ago. Hard to realize 30 years at least that we have known each other. As I catch up on your story, we have shared some similar paths in recent years. Please know that we love you and will continue to pray for you in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Our God is able and will carry you when you think you can't make it another minute! Sending so much love to you and your family tonight.
Melissa Cook
July 25, 2014
Chonda, there are no words that anyone can say to bring relief or change the course of the last few weeks. I cannot say nor will I say that I understand how you feel. I don't know. I can't imagine. All I know is I remember you when you were starting out and seeing you again many years later. You had not changed. Your faith is amazing and I'm sure it has been questioned. Your faith is one of your loves and your faith will bring you strength. I continue to pray that God give you comfort, mercy, grace and love. May David's star shine brightly in the sky over you forever.
debra hipp
July 25, 2014
You will be missed
SUSIE Cassidy
July 25, 2014
Sorry for your loss may he rest in peace My Thought and prayer are with you.R.I.P Mr. David .W.Pierce.
Darlene Newton
July 25, 2014
On the one day when I was blessed to meet him; he was laughing at some story Chonda was telling. May the love, laughter, and stories never end. May Gods peace and comfortsurround you all.
Julie Gamble
July 25, 2014
Chonda: I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I have seen you introduce him in several of your videos and years ago seen you at a Woman of Faith Event. Just know I am praying for you!!!
Sandy Grantham
July 25, 2014
So sorry to hear about your husband, David. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. .. May the God of the Universe fill your hearts with comfort and peace.
dianne geabhart
July 25, 2014
I have no fancy words...my heart is breaking for you and your children... your loss is unfathomable... I'm 'leaning on the everlasting (strong) arms' of the one who loves you more than you words can say...
Patricia Baines
July 25, 2014
I worked with David for several years when he taught at MTSU and will always think of him as a lovely, gentle spirit. My condolences to Chonda and family.
patti layne
July 25, 2014
With sadness, love and respect you will be missed friend. Praying for Chonda,Chera and Zack as they travel down this road only our Lord will be able to bring them thru this heartbreaking time. May the prayers and love from family and friends surround you in the coming days. Sorry we can not make it to the funeral but we took our grandson to Pigeon Forge. This trip has reminded troy and I of the trip we took with you and david to this same place almost 20 years ago. We have both stopped on this trip and reflected on our friendship with you both and prayed for you. May God bless and keep you. Psalms 91 Troy & Patti Layne
Vicky Sadler Wilson
July 25, 2014
Chonda I am sorry to hear about David. Nothing I say can ease the pain you and your family are going through just know I will be keeping you in my prayers.
Cynthia Killian
July 25, 2014
Chonda......my heart is so heavy for you and your family. Although we don't always understand God's ways, we can take comfort in knowing that David is in the presence of the Savior, probably fishing with Peter and (as Mark Lowry says)eating fried chicken with Moses....ha! Praise God your separation is only temporary and that David is waiting for the day when you and all his loved ones will join him, at the feet of Jesus, for all eternity.
Love and hugs my precious sister in Christ.
From one of your favorite fans,
Melissa Jenkins
July 25, 2014
May the Lord give you peace and precious memories as only He can. Im in prayer for the family. May God and his angels surround you. What a blessing you are!!
Ann Clay
July 25, 2014
Chonda,
I am so soryy to hear about David. I know your heart is heavy. I cannot help but think about the welcome he got from your precious Mom.Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Ann Clay
July 25, 2014
Dear Chonda and family, I was so sorry to hear about David's passing. I know that he was a beloved husband, a best friend, and a loving and devoted father. Just remember as days, weeks go by you will think of loving memories that you shared. I know it will be hard at visitation but God will be by your side. I will be praying for all of you as I know many others will. Sincerely love in Christ, Donna Turner, Greenwood, SC
July 25, 2014
Chonda, So sorry to hear about David lossing his last battle. I have been praying for you both for some time. I know this is a difficult journey for you; because I have been on it for 6 years. Stay close to God, Family and Friends and you will find peace in the midst of the storms. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Jean Chitwood
Bill (Bucky) Dent
July 25, 2014
My prayers are with the family during this time of earthly loss but heavenly gain. May our Lord and Savior be a constant comfort to the family at this time.
Wilma Hughes
July 25, 2014
Did not know your loved one here on earth but what a beautiful story. Family you are in my prayers. We will meet in the sweet by and by. Sister in Christ.
Trish Shinn
July 25, 2014
My deepest prayers are with you, Chonda, and your family. Words cannot express the sadness we know you are feeling, nor the love we have for you. There's no script for dealing with this devastation. But you know Jesus is there. I know first hand that when you experience a loss like this, Jesus is right there with you. I pray that you will literally feel Him holding you in His arms.
Melissa Williams
July 25, 2014
Hope - it's what we hold onto during these difficult valleys in life. Ps 30:5 says "Weeping may endure for the night, but JOY comes in the morning". What a reunion that will be! You are in my prayers. Thank you for making us laugh, Chonda, my prayer is that you find your laughter again soon.
Tammy Griffin
July 25, 2014
So very sorry Chonda... I don't know you except as a longtime fan, but have always admired your ability to use humor to carry you through darkness that would destroy most of us..thinking of you & Chera & Zach...
Kathy Kane
July 24, 2014
My prayers are with you and your family during this time. I know our Lord and Savior is keeping you in His care. The wonderful news is that you will see your beloved David again one day for all eternity.
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