Dr. Frank Pearce Iii

1932 - 2019

Dr. Frank Pearce, III (Sonny)

Alexandria - Dr. Frank Pearce, III ("Sonny") passed away on Aug 4, 2019. After a several year struggle with cancer, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Dr. Pearce was born in Bunkie, La., October, 16, 1932 and grew up in Alexandria.

He attended Rosenthal Elementary and Bolton High School. At Bolton he lettered in Football and Track and played trumpet in the band. In his senior year he was commended as "Best Looking Senior Boy, Best Dressed Senior Boy, Most Athletic Senior Boy and Most Likely to Succeed." He attended Centenary College on a Track Scholarship. At Centenary he sang in the Choir and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated from LSU Medical School, New Orleans. He completed surgical training at Baptist Hospital New Orleans, LSU Medical Center, Shreveport, and Mayo Clinic.

He returned with his family to practice in Alexandria at the Brian Clinic in 1963. He later practiced with Dr. Vincent Chicola on Bolton Ave. and subsequently opened a solo practice at the newly constructed Medical Arts Building at Rapides Hospital. He cared for Veterans eventually becoming a full-time physician at Veterans Administration Hospital in Pineville, La. He eventually became Director of Admissions and Outpatient Services at Veterans Administration Hospital from which he retired.

Despite health problems, Dr. Pearce eventually returned to medical practice at Rapides Primary Care Center while also reviewing cases for Administrative Law Judges at the Social Security Administration. Later he worked at Pinecrest Hospital and upon retirement from Pinecrest was Chief of Medical Staff.

Dr. Pearce also worked as a volunteer providing pre-participation medical screening for athletes at Peabody High School. He provided medical services for candidates in the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a program which became very near and dear to his heart. Dr. Pearce ultimately spent over 20 years serving the Youth Challenge Program before his final retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Pearce, Jr. and Lela Musgrove Pearce, sisters Mary Virginia Pearce Benhard and Jean Ann Pearce Warriner, Grandson Seth Wily Pearce and sister in law Anne Schaaf Bazer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Marie Elise Schaaf Pearce, his children: Dr. Frank Bennett Pearce (Dawn) of Birmingham, AL, Dr. Albert Craig Pearce (Leah), Mark Douglas Pearce (Theresa), and Dr. Barbara Pearce Bailey (Michael), all of Alexandria. His grandchildren include: Dr. Frank Bennett Pearce, Jr. (Amanda), Emily Catherine Pearce, Caitlin Elise Pearce Perkins (Grant), Camille Blythe Pearce, Cullen David Pearce, Tori Lea Sorkow (Ben), Kalli Kristine White, Dr. Mark Douglas Pearce, Jr (Andrea), Chelsea Nicole Pearce, Jennifer Elise Wheat and Nicholas Ryan Bailey. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers in law Jeff Benhard of Palmetto, La. and Dr. Fuller Bazer of College Station, Tx.

Dr. Pearce was a classically trained pianist and loved jazz and classical music. He was a licensed pilot. He was an avid gardener and tomato farmer, an activity which he shared with his dear friend Dr. Gaylen Bates.

Dr. Pearce was known for his deep faith in God. He was active at First United Methodist Church for many years. At First Methodist he sang in the choir and was President of the 50/50 Sunday School Class.

Dr. Pearce enjoyed his family and was fortunate to join in many family vacations, some of which became legendary. Those memories will be forever cherished by his surviving family and friends. Dr. Pearce was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing. He was known for his sunny disposition, hence his well known nickname, "Sonny."

The family would like to thank Rev. Ashley McGuire, the First United Methodist Choir, all First United Methodist Church members, neighbors and friends for their prayers and acts of kindness. Special thanks also to Heart of Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. The family also extends a special thanks to Sharonette Armstrong, Gloria Clark, Ursula Brown, Heather Armstrong, Pam Armstrong and Jasmine Calvin. Many thanks to his medical team in Alexandria: Dr. Bassam Abi-Rached, Dr. Joe Screpetis, Dr. Garrison and Dr. Tumbaco and his doctors in Baton Rouge: Dr. Lyons, Dr. Haussman and Dr. Schubert.

Visitation will be held at 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home on Jackson Street. Visitation will also be held at First United Methodist Church on Jackson Street in Alexandria on Thursday, August 8, 2019, beginning at 9am until the time of service. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Jackson Street in Alexandria beginning at 10am, Thursday, August 8, 2019. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Cullen Pearce, Dr. Mark Pearce, Jr., Grant Perkins, Dr. Ben Pearce, Nicholas Bailey and Dalton Crutchfield.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or First United Methodist Church Missions Fund.