Terry Lee Pierce

It is with heavy hearts we announce Terry Lee Pierce passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2024, at the age of 54 in Nashville, Tennessee. Terry was a beloved father, husband and a dear friend to many.

Born on March 7, 1970, in LaPorte, Indiana where he graduated LaPorte High School and married the love of his life, Stephanie Schrier Pierce and started their family.

His career began at Federal-Mogul in South Bend, IN in the foundry. Keenly aware of the difficulty of the job and always striving to do better, Terry set out on a lifelong process of growth, education, and self-improvement. He earned his college degree while supporting his family. As he was no stranger to adventure, life was a progression of jobs in different states from Indiana, Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Tennessee- all to keep up with his growing career.

Classically trained in TPS in Asia, he became a leader in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. Terry went on to be a lean champion, value stream manager, production control manager, plant manager, and director level roles in various positions, and attained vice president of operations. Terry developed into a forward thinking executive with a trademark to transform organizations quickly into the best they could be. Every role and opportunity Terry would quickly diagnose the issues and implement solutions nobody else had dreamed of. He worked hard with incredible passion and vision. This was aided in the fact he had many mentors that would leave a lasting impression, while taking pride in becoming a mentor himself. Finally, calling Tennessee home, he worked at S.B. International where he planned to retire as part of the senior leadership team.

Terry was a force to be reckoned with but possessed a kind and generous soul. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Every day, he looked forward to the quick-witted banter with his friends and colleagues. His friends and colleagues looked forward to it as well. Terry was always quick to involve himself, used his sharp intellect and genuine kindness to get a point across, and has touched countless lives both personally and professionally.

Terry enjoyed the outdoors; golfing, fishing, and exploring TN’s hiking trails and waterfalls. He loved doing home improvement projects over the years with Steph. As soon as one project was finished, he was ready for the next, always wanting to make each house a home. He enjoyed caring for his plants, which he named all of them. He adored spending time with his family, playing computer games, driving fast, avid history buff, his bourbon collection, and sitting on the back deck smoking a cigar and enjoying the views. Let’s not forget watching Smokey & the Bandit 100 times with his boys and finding new recipes for the smoker for his friends and family to enjoy. Terry was a lifelong Cubs (he got to see one World Series win!) Bears, and Notre Dame football fan.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Stephanie, and their two sons Dakota and Aidan. Siblings: Joe (Teresa) Pierce of Valparaiso, IN., Wanda Sue Elrod of Golden, MS., and Peggy (Billy) Lukac of LaPorte, IN. Brother and Sister-in-Law: Jason (Liz) Schrier of Mattawan, MI. As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, cousins, dear friends, and fur babies.

Predeceased by his parents, Joe and Opal (Tankersly) Pierce. Brother: Roger Pierce, Sister: Brenda Scofield and Brother-in Law: Pete Elrod.

Terry will be cremated, and a Visitation will be held on December 21, 2024 from 1-3pm at Marshall-Donnelley-Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203.