Obituary of Leon S. Pierce

Leon Staples Pierce was born September 1, 1929 in Richmond, Virginia and died April 10, 2015 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter Morgan Pierce and Maylen Newby Pierce and his brothers Walter Morgan Pierce, Jr. and William Newby Pierce. He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Mrs. Jeanne Lamphear Pierce, sons Howard Rigby Pierce (Cindy) of Clinton, South Carolina; William Luther Pierce (Holly) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Walter Kelliher Pierce (Lalla) of Pensacola, Florida; daughter Elizabeth Pierce Albertson (Richard) of Tallahassee, Florida; brother-in-law Mr. Larry W. Lamphear (Barbara) of Clearwater, and many extended family members. His grandchildren are Elizabeth Rigby Pierce, Howard Brooks and Charles Cunningham Pierce, Ashley Elizabeth Fairbrother (Ben), Rachel Elaine, Richard James, Katherine Jeanne, and Kimberly Glen Albertson, Frances Pierce Sharp (Kenneth), Thomas Walter, Gordon Kelliher, and Caroline Sue Pierce. Mr. Pierce was a graduate of Staunton Military Academy, University of Virginia, and American College. He was a Chartered Financial Consultant and a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a prestigious accomplishment in the life insurance industry. Mr. Pierce spent most of his life in Miami, Florida as a prominent member of the business, social, and philanthropic communities. In Miami, he was a member of the following clubs and organizations: South Miami United Methodist Church, Committee of 100, Riviera Country Club, Coral Gables Country Club, Kings Bay Country Club, Miami Club, Rod and Reel Club, Bath Club, Surf Club, and Century Club. He is a past president of Downtown Miami Kiwanis Club, Sigma Chi Alumni Association of Miami, and was the founding member of Progress Club of Miami. In Hickory, North Carolina, he was a member of the Congregational Church, Lake Hickory Country Club, and was co-founder of the Rotary Club of Hickory. He was a member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock Country Club, Blowing Rock Rotary, and was an usher at Blowing Rock United Methodist Church. His business accomplishments were many but his charitable and philanthropic contributions were great as well. He is the past president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Visiting Nurses Association, Kiwanis Club of Miami, and The Florence Crittendon Home. He was the director of Goodwill Industries of Miami. He was particularly fond of the work of The Salvation Army and served on the board of the Dade County Salvation Army for years. Truly, his community activities and contributions are innumerable. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. John Davis and Caldwell Hospice. A private memorial service for the family was officiated by Reverend Delbert Minner at the Pierces Blowing Rock home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Salvation Army or Caldwell Hospice (Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645), as both have been so meaningful in the course of Mr. Leon Staples Pierces life. Online condolences may be shared with the Pierce family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Pierce family.