Herbert R. Pearce

PEARCE. Dr. Herbert R. Pearce of Jacksonville passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville. Dr. Pearce was born on April 19, 1929 in Smithville, MS to the late Dr. Rex and Jessie (Rush) Pearce. In 1934 the family moved to Wesson, MS where he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout in 1943. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1947 and honorably served as a Hospital Corpsman with the 5th Marine force in Korea. Dr. Pearce took part of the invasion of Inchon and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal; Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal; and, the Presidential Unit Citation & Bronze Star. Dr. Pearce was a graduate of Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi School Of Medicine, and practiced in Mississippi for five years before moving to Jacksonville in 1967 for his surgical training. He then practiced General Surgery in Jacksonville for thirty years. He was actively involved in the growth and development of Memorial Hospital. Dr. Pearce served on the Boards of Directors for the Brooks Health System and the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital for twenty years. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pearce was active in many military organizations and associations including Semper Fidelis, The Chosin Few, 1st Marine Association, Korean Veterans Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dr. Pearce is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Betty Rodgers Pearce; daughters Lynda Crymes: Kathryn Larsen (Kris); Deborah Davis (Bill); Elethia Chase; and son, Charlie Pearce. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and one brother, Dudley Pearce of Winchester, VA. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com