William L. "Bill" Pierce, son of the late Roy and Goldie Brunk Pierce, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 9, 1930, and passed away at the St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau on April 20, 2011, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 11 days.

On September 14, 1951, he was married to Mildred G. Hazel in Panama City, Florida. She preceded him in death on August 10, 2002. His wife, of over 50 years, and his family were the most important things in his life.

Surviving are one son and spouse, William Mark & Lynette Pierce of Houston, Texas; three daughters and spouses, Valerie & James Whiteman of Warrensburg, Missouri, Marsha & William Hussey of St. Louis, Missouri, Pamela & Russell Brown of Jackson, Missouri; three grandchildren, Paige & Allie Brown and Will Thomas Pierce. Other relatives and many friends also survive.

He was stationed in Panama City, Florida where he married. After getting out of the Air Force he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and then moved to Dexter in 1958, in 2005 he moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter, Missouri. He had been a member of the Dexter Lions Club for many years and a member of Keller Public Library Board before moving to Cape Girardeau. He had worked at the Elder Manufacturing in Dexter for over 40 years and had been the plant superintendent. He then owned and operated the Dexter Cleaners in Dexter for several years. He was veteran of the U. S. Air Force.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 23, 2011, after 10 a.m., at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 12 p.m., at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri with the Rev. Steve Moody of Little Rock, Arkansas officiating.

Interment will be in the Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of arrangements.

Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.