William Pierce

William L. "Bill" Pierce, 80, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 9, 1930, in St. Louis, son of the late Roy and Goldie Brunk Pierce. On Sept. 14, 1951, he married Mildred G. Hazel in Panama City, Fla. She preceded him in death Aug. 10, 2002. His wife of more than 50 years and his family were the most important things in his life.

Survivors include a son, William Mark (Lynette) Pierce of Houston; three daughters, Valerie (James) Whiteman of Warrensburg, Mo., Marsha (William) Hussey of St. Louis, Pamela (Russell) Brown of Jackson; three grandchildren, Paige and Allie Brown and Will Thomas Pierce; other relatives; and many friends.

He was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Panama City.

After getting out of the Air Force he moved to St. Louis, then moved to Dexter, Mo., in 1958, and in 2005 moved to Cape Girardeau.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Dexter. He had been a member of Dexter Lions Club many years and a member of Keller Public Library Board before moving to Cape Girardeau.

Pierce worked at Elder Manufacturing in Dexter more than 40 years and had been plant superintendent. He then owned and operated Dexter Cleaners several years.

Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Steve Moody of Little Rock, Ark., officiating. Interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com.