Funeral services for Ralph Edward Pierce, age 93, of Shelbyville, will be held 1 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023 in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Rosebank Cemetery. In honor of Mr. Pierce’s military service, Stephen Keene will recite “The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory” at the cemetery. Mr. Pierce peacefully passed from this life Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro surrounded by loved ones.
Visitation with the family will be held Friday beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
A native of the Flat Creek community, Mr. Pierce was born February 6, 1929. He was the son of the late Jesse Joe and Myrtle Woodard Pierce. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn Ann Wiggins Pierce; brother, Paul Jackson Pierce; and sister, Jessie Faye Pierce Clenney.
Ralph loved his church, family, fishing and vegetable gardening where he was known for his delicious tomatoes. He retired from Shelbyville Pencil Company after 30+ years of employment and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army (1950-1952), serving in combat in the Korean War. He was a longtime member of Southside Church of Christ.
Mr. Pierce is survived by: daughters, Patti Watkins and husband Larry, Lisa Victory and husband Steve; grandson, Jacob Kyle “Jake” Victory and wife Rachel, all of Shelbyville, and great-grandchildren, Lyla Ann Victory, Adler Pierce Victory and Coy Michael Victory.
Memorial donations may be made to Southside Church of Christ by mail: 108 Narrows Rd. Shelbyville, TN 37160.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com