Billy Charles Pierce

Billy Charles Pierce, 82 of Mount Ida, AR., departed this earth to meet his Lord on May 15, 2020. He was born in Poteau, Oklahoma on July 13, 1937. He was a beloved husband, father and a dear friend to many.

Billy is survived by his wife and best friend, Charlotte of 60 years of marriage; his daughter, Carolyn Jean Pierce; son in law, Greg Break; son, Glenn Elmer Pierce; daughter in law, Tracy Pierce and beloved dog, Padee.

Billy joined the USAF on December 15, 1955. He spent a year in Viet Nam in 1965 and remained in the service for 28 years, 8 months and 15 days. Bill’s greatest AF achievement was 3 meritorious awards presented to him for a job well done, 11 other awards and flight crew wings while serving in the USAF. He reached the rank of E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant). He held the position of Avionics Maintenance Supervisor at Edwards AFB, which is the Flight Test Center of the Air Force, when he retired.

At the time of his retirement, a fellow AF friend/boss hired Billy for a job with Hughes Aircraft to be a Logistic Support Supervisor for the Phoenix Missel, in Long Beach, California. 3 years later, he was reassigned to Hughes Aircraft in Tucson, Arizona, where he again retired after a total of 10 years.

His last 26 years in Mount Ida have been spent in retirement mode, which included fishing, camping, and traveling. Billy was a long standing member of Joplin United Methodist Church.

In Lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Billy, may make a donation to Warm Hearts Humane Society, Inc., a nonprofit, P.O. Box 535, Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957 or the Joplin Methodist Church 59 Mountain Harbor Road, Mount Ida, Arkansas 71957.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com