William Sylvester Pierce

Bill Pierce, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, passed peacefully at home and into the arms of the angels on March 1, 2017 at the age of 77. He was born on July 13, 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from Colerain High School and the University of Cincinnati. Always passionate about music, Bill proudly sang for over 10 years in the renowned Men’s Choral Group, the Vocal Majority. He was an active participant in many organizations over the years, most recently as a member of the Dallas Folk Music Society, the Friendship Force in Dallas, men’s Bible study group at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, and kinDship, a philanthropic organization promoting acts of kindness. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Celina and their choir, and previously of Unity Church of Dallas and their choir and acting group. His favorite pastime was simply sharing quality time and playing cards and games with his wife, his family and a multitude of friends, all of whom describe Bill as the epitome of joy and optimism, with a quick wit, a radiant smile, and a kind heart—in fact, one of the kindest people they have ever known. Never one to meet a stranger, beloved wife, Patti, says that nearly every day, Bill would come home and say, “I met the most interesting person/people today. You’ve got to meet them. You will LOVE them!” Owning a sharp intellect and curious mind as well, Bill was on the cutting edge of the technology industry in the early days of computer programming, then later selling high-end software to large companies. He also enjoyed discussing deep philosophical ideas and spiritual concepts, and walked as an inspiring example of courage and love. Bill will be deeply missed, but his candle has certainly lit many other lights in the world. Bill is survived by beloved wife, Patti Pierce of Plano, Texas; son Scott Pierce and his wife Christina, and grandchildren Jonathon, Amanda, and Andy; daughter Michelle Schmidt and husband Rodney, and grandchildren Hayden and Alayna; daughter Sharon Floyd and husband Craig, and grandchildren Justin, Havalah, Hannah, and Jackson; daughter Kristin Nauert and husband Herb, and grandchildren Avery and Abbey; son Vince Sessions and wife Jennifer, and grandchildren Christian and Megan; son Scott Gottbreht and wife Julie; son Steve Campbell and wife Stacey; son Scott Campbell and wife Sarah, and granddaughter Suzanna; daughter Marie Vukin and husband Greg, and grandchildren Rebecca and Emily; and sister Charlene Streithorst, nieces Bev McCraken, Debbie Streithorst (all from Cincinnati) and Jackie Kembro (in Argentina). In addition, there are numerous grand-nieces, nephews, and cousins, his ROMEO friends (Dick Leyendecker, Ken Hillig and others) and many other family-members-by-choice. As noted above, Bill loved so many people and invited them all into his heart and family. The Memorial Service followed by a reception, will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 10:30 am, at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church, located at 5801 Plano Parkway, in Plano, Texas. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.