Brother Billy Joe Pierce was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 10, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Services for the man known simply as “Brother Billy” will be held at Cypress Baptist Church Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until time of service. Dr. Gene Henderson will be officiating and Pastor John Fream assisting. Stacy Loe and Philip Wade will provide music.
It would be hard to overstate the impact this one man’s life had on the many he encountered in his ministry. Whether through his preaching, his support during both the joyous and tragic events of those who knew him, or his volunteer work, Brother Billy was “always there” when needed. Everyone who knew him has a personal “Brother Billy” story.
Billy Pierce was born October 6, 1934, in Mississippi, the only child of William Oliver (WO) and Tommie Irene Pierce. He grew up in Mississippi where he was saved as a young man. He later attended Clark College where he met his future wife, Tommie June Lee, then on to Mississippi College, and finally New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
After pastorates in several Baptist churches in Mississippi, Bro. Billy moved to Bossier City, Louisiana in 1968 as Assistant Pastor for First Baptist Church of Bossier City where he worked closely with Dr. Damon Vaughn who had led him to the Lord. He served about 15 churches in the Bossier and Shreveport area including Ford Park Baptist, Barksdale Baptist, First Baptist Haughton, First Baptist Doyline and First Baptist Bossier for a second time.
Eventually Brother Billy became Pastor of Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana which had approximately 100 in membership and had grown to 1,000 by the time he retired 20 years later. During this time, Brother Billy served as President of the Executive Board of the Louisiana Pastors Conference and volunteered as Chaplain for the Bossier City Police Department. He was later hired by Sheriff Larry Deen as Chaplain of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department.
Brother Billy is preceded in death by his parents, W.O. and Tommie Irene Pierce, wife, Tommie June Lee and precious daughter, Penelope, “Penny.” He is survived by his son, William Keith Pierce, wife Stacy, grandchildren Kallie Pierce and William Kyle Pierce, great-granddaughter Madisyn Pierce and sister-in-law, Jeffery Rogers.
Pallbearers will be Lynn Beaty, Don Burling, Warren Cantrell, Doug Lauter, Don Tubbs, and Sheriff Julian Whittington. Honorary pallbearers will include Jack Bice, John “Tuttie” Bundy, Henry Cantrell, Larry Deen, Terry Hamous, and Charles Gholson.
The family suggests any memorials go to Cypress Baptist Building Fund or Cypress Baptist Senior Adult Ministry.
The family would like to especially thank Jack and Nell Bice, Henry Cantrell for all their help and years of love and friendship. Joanne Hamby, Jerry and Debbie Morris, Carolyn Pearce, Cypress Baptist Church members, for all the visits, meals and prayer. Molly at WK Bossier and ER Staff, caregivers, Brookdale Assisted Living Staff—Dana, Conner, Brianne, Penny, Theresa and Heather, Mallorie Gill, RN and Debbie Purvis at Christus Hospice.
