Earl Wayne Pierce, known to all who knew him as Wayne, passed away at home in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on October 20, 2026 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends.
Wayne was born on August 19, 1946, in Terrell, Texas, to Christine Pierce. He grew up in Canton, Texas, where he was raised by his grandparents, Bertha Mae and William Harrison, and his aunt, Ernestine. In 1966, he moved to Michigan to work in the automotive industry. He went on to build a career as a Master Mechanic and Engineering Liaison with General Motors Powertrain, retiring in 2008.
Wayne met the love of his life, Peggy, in a laundromat, and they were married for 52 years.
Dependable, kind, generous, smart, and endlessly curious, Wayne could fix just about anything. He was happiest tinkering on cars, snowmobiling, and spending time Up North.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Harmon) Pierce; his daughters, Dawn (Pierce) Bissett, Tiffany Pierce, and Christine Pierce; his grandchildren, Samantha Bissett and Jonathon Bissett; and his ‘sisters’ Glenda (Janes) Cheatham and Kimmie (Janes) Sanders. He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Pierce; his grandparents, Bertha Mae (Fisher) Pierce and William Harrison Pierce; and his aunt, Ernestine (Pierce) Janes Taylor.
Public visitation will be held Saturday, October 24, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Food and beverages will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the St. Helen Snow Packers (520 N St Helen Rd, St Helen, MI 48656).
