John "Rakeman" E. Pierce

John was born September 9, 1943 to Robert H Pierce, Sr. and Beulah Fowler on Dinwiddie Farm, just outside of Middleburg, VA. Little did anyone know on that beautiful September day in western Loudoun, what kind of impact John was going to have on the world and those around him. He grew up to be a jack of all trades and was soon an expert in the field of heavy excavation.

Along with his professional successes, he was also well accomplished at home as well. John married his beautiful wife Dorcas on August 17, 1963, and despite their separation in 1989, they still took care of one another, as well as their family.

When the day was done, the wife and children taken care of, grandchildren and great grandchild spoiled, you could find the Rakeman sporting a fishing pole in a local bass tournament, a rifle in the woods, or a horseshoe around a peg.

John is survived by his daughters Cathy Payne (Joe) of Harpers Ferry, WV, Luanne Pierce of Purcellville, VA, granddaughter Jennifer Payne (Eric Blenman) of Cortland, OH, grandson Joe Payne (Ashley) of Frederick, MD, and great granddaughter Nicole Payne of Frederick, MD. He is also survived by his brother Robert “Buck” Pierce (Ann), of Rupert, Idaho, several nieces and nephews, and his faithful canine companion, Shadow.

John was preceded in death by wife Dorcas, his parents Robert Pierce and Beulah Fowler, stepfather Charles “Ike” Ballenger, 2 half-brothers Doug Pierce and Donnie Pierce, and half-sister Phyllis Ann Glascock.

Graveside services will be held at Rosedale Cemetery in Martinsburg, WV on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 3 p.m. Services are going to be limited to close friends and family.