Claude E. Pierson

Claude Elmer Pierson, Jr., age 81, passed away July 23, 2012 at Johnson City Medical Center after a short illness. Claude was born March 7, 1931 in the Daniel Boone community of Scott County, Virginia. He moved to Nashville, TN in 1942 and graduated high school from Tennessee Industrial School in 1948. He spent one year (1949) at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN then joined the United States Air Force. He served in the USAF from November 1950 to December 1953 seeing overseas duty in Japan and Korea during the Korean War period. He returned to college at East Tennessee State University where he received his Business Administration degree in 1966. Claude retired as Assistant Treasurer and Credit Manager from General Shale Brick Company after 40 years service in early 1997. After retiring he enjoyed his yard work, watching sports and western movies on TV, and playing golf…not necessarily in that order. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Elmer and Alverdie (Alma) Lane Pierson; sister, Helen P. Snyder; twin brothers, Charles Benton and Lewis Clinton Pierson, and brother, Curtis Pierson. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Betty Cunningham Pierson, of the home; one daughter, Brenda P. Colyer and husband Frank D. of Maryville, TN.; sons, Steven Blaine Pierson, of Nashville, TN, Daryl Wayne Pierson and wife Betty R. of Jupiter, FL; twin step-daughters Kara B. Ratliff of Kingsport, and Kristin B. Barnhill and husband John of Wilmington, NC; sister, Claudia Larue Pierson of Denver, CO; brother, Wesley Floyd Frazier of Austin, TX; several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Private inurnment services will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Vets,P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati,OH 45290. East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pierson family, please visit us at www.eastlawnkingsport to leave a condolence for the family.