Mr. Pearce was a teacher for the Cumberland County schools for 35 years before retiring. He was a member of the Retired Teacher Association of Cumberland County and Cedar Rock First Baptist Church.

The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Cedar Rock First Baptist Church in Castalia by the Rev. Keith Church. Burial was in the church cemetery. A memorial service was held in Fayetteville. Arrangements were handled by Lancaster Funerals and Cremations of Louisburg.

Mr. Pearce is survived by three brothers, Urban L. Pearce of Louisburg, Bob R. Pearce of Raleigh and Charles G. Pearce of Franklin, Va.; three sisters, Louise P. Jeffreys of Louisburg, Carolyn P. Strange of Cary and Peggy P. Tucker of Raleigh; and his companion, Rita Britt of Fayetteville.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Rock First Baptist Church, 4879 N.C. 56 E., Castalia, NC 27816.