Hersey G. Pierce

Hersey G. Pierce, 88, of Smithfield, peacefully lost his battle to Parkinson’s Disease, Tuesday, August 9, 2022, with his wife of 67 years, by his side.  Born May 12, 1934 in Suffolk, Va., Hersey grew up and went to school in Windsor, Va. where he also met his bride, Jeanette.  In 1965, he moved his family to Smithfield.  He made his career at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. from 1959 until 1993, when he retired.  Hersey was an only child, the son of the late, Clifton Eugene Pierce and Mary Catherine Atkins Pierce.  He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Garris Pierce and two daughters, Deborah “Debi” P. Jones (David) and Paula P. Hicks (Joe), grandsons Rob and Carey Harris, granddaughter, Christie Hicks, three great granddaughters Mikayla, Alya and Emma and three great grandpuppies.

Hersey was extremely talented and loved building beautiful pieces in his wood shop.  He not only built furniture, cabinets and tables over the years for family and friends but also weather stations, electronic gadgets and a beautiful grandfather clock, lovingly called “Grandfather”.  During his membership at the YMCA, he was regularly asked to build items for the facility and fix what broke.  He enjoyed that so much.  Although not his favorite passion in wood working, he became the ‘go-to’ guy to matt and frame pictures, portraits, diplomas and other items for hanging, for people all over the country.  He was a perfectionist in everything he set his hands to and it showed in his work, projects and home.  Upon his retirement, he and Jeanette took short trips from Virginia to Florida, stopping along the way to visit craft shows, theme parks and trying new restaurants along their travels.  They loved some good food.

Hersey will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family.  He was always there if he was needed, to help with anything from building room additions and log cabins to grilling and running errands.  His knowledge, advice and expertise in so many things, was such an asset that he will be sorely missed by his girls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Foundation.  

Visitation with the family will be at Little’s Funeral Home one hour prior to service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 13.  Due to the extreme heat, a celebration of life will be held at Little’s Funeral Home on Saturday, August 13 at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will be private at Central Hill Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be registered at littlesfuneralhome.com.