Howard Emerson "Bill" Pierce

SYLVANIA, GEORGIA

Mr. Howard Emerson (Bill) Pierce, 88, of Sylvania, died Sunday morning, December 20, 2015, at Optim Medical Center--Screven in Sylvania.

He was born September 23, 1927, in Sylvania, Screven County, Georgia to the late John Albert and Pearl Elizabeth Williams Pierce. He was a member of McDonald Baptist Church and was a dairy farmer. He and his two brothers operated Pierce's Dairy for many years before his retirement. He also enjoyed working with wood; making furniture, boats, and other custom wood pieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Georgia Mae Reynolds Pierce and a Daughter: Billie Jean P. Rooks.

Surviving are his Wife: Dorothy Waters Pierce of Sylvania, a Daughter and Son-in-Law: Patricia P. and Brett Darr, a Son-in-Law: Charles E. Rooks, a Step-Daughter: Julia Waters Sharpe, a Step-Son: Don Waters all of Sylvania, Grandchildren: Kristi W. Boles of Rutledge, Georgia and Jud Rooks of Statesboro, Georgia, Step-Grandchildren: Kayde S. Moore of Brunswick, Georgia, Beth Sharpe and Russell Waters both of Sylvania, Great-Great-Grandchildren: Madison Boles and Mallory Boles both of Rutledge, Georgia and Several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Pierce will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at 2:00 P.M. at the McDonald Baptist Church, 787 McDonald Road, Sylvania, Georgia with Dr. Jack Gatlin officiating. Burial will be in the Green Fork Baptist Church, Perkins, Georgia. Active pallbearers will be: Key Bell, Scott Bell, Greg Durrence, Brett Dickerson, Bill Wasden and Yancey Moore.

Honorary pallbearers will be the congregation of McDonald Baptist Church.

The body will be placed in the church Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. to lie in state until the funeral hour.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home of Sylvania is in charge of all arrangements. (912-564-2331)