Richard "Rick" Perry Pierce III

Lenoir, NC - Richard "Rick" Perry Pierce III, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on Friday, December 26, 1958, in Raleigh, NC, Rick lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to his community.

Rick earned a Bachelor of Science with a degree in Industrial Engineering from East Carolina University, where he was also a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. His career spanned nearly four decades at Fairfield Chair Company, where he dedicated 39 years of innovative service before retiring in December of 2025.

His legacy is lovingly carried on by those he leaves behind: his devoted wife of 43 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Peace Pierce; his sons, Richard PERRY Pierce IV, married to Nicole Bennett Pierce, and Phillip ALEXander Pierce, married to Blake Waters Pierce. Rick was the cherished grandfather of Richard PERRY Pierce V, Bradley David Pierce, Lainey Reese Pierce, and Jameson Alexander Pierce.

Rick's passion for soccer was evident in his founding of youth soccer programs in 1989 and the establishment of Lenoir Force in 1998. His commitment to fostering the sport in North Carolina was recognized when he was honored with the NCYSA's Pioneer of Game award in 2008. He served diligently on the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association Board and the Lenoir Parks and Recreation Board, contributing significantly to the creation of the Rotary Youth Soccer Complex on Zacks Fork Road.

An enthusiast of antique car restoration, Rick enjoyed attending car shows with friends. He was a committed member of the First United Methodist Church of Lenoir, serving as chairman of the Trustees and participating on several other church boards.

In his personal time, Rick embraced the simple joys of life, such as fishing and spending quality time with his family at his beach house in Kure beach. His warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Waterlife Church in Lenoir on Sunday, March 22nd, at 2:00 pm. In honor of Rick's lifetime of community service and love for recreation, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation in memory of Rick Pierce III. Rick's legacy of kindness, generosity, and community service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know him. Arrangements have been entrusted to Evans Funeral Service & Crematory.