Charles Ray Pierce

On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Charles Ray Pierce, 76, was called home to our Lord. 

Charles was an only child born on June 28, 1945, to Samuel Joe Pierce and Verta Lorene Lyon. He lived in Houston during his early years. He was very close to his aunts, uncles and first cousins; they were the brothers and sisters he never had. Charles enlisted in the United States Army at the young age of 17; he often told the story that his mom had to sign for him. He excelled in the service; he became a drill sergeant and graduated top in his class which made his mom proud. He was in the 25th Infantry Division, serving as 13 Bravo, an armored vehicle crew member. He toured overseas in Korea. He was in the Vietnam War where he drove tanks on the front line and was awarded a CIB, Combat Infantry Badge. Over the years, he accumulated many Veteran ball caps. We will forever thank him for his service.

After leaving the Army, Charles, often called Charlie, worked for the oil industry at the Arco Refinery. He took on the full-time dad role of his daughters, Vicki, and Kristi, after their mother got ill. Shortly after, he met his forever bride, Shirley and daughter, Tammy. Charlie loved coaching little league girls’ softball for all three girls. When he was not working or coaching, Charlie and Shirley could be found out on the bay fishing or dancing in competitions for the Houston Whip Club, a unique variation of swing dance. Soon the joy of his life was born, Johnathan Chase.

Charlie opted to retire early from Arco and moved him and his family to the Texas Hill Country in Leander. He supported Vicki on the Leander Blue Belle drill team and Kristi and Tammy in Leander High School (LHS) band. He also loved coaching baseball when Chase was in little league and was Chase’s number one fan during LHS baseball practices and games. Charlie also loved cooking BBQ at his Lyon family reunion every summer; he would cook overnight with his cousins and the younger generation. He loved his family with everything he had. 

Charlie worked many years as a service advisor at a local Lincoln Mercury Dealership before fully retiring. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with Shirley, being a grandfather and traveling with family. He had nick names for all the granddaughters: Alexis was Sunshine, Cassidy was Sugar Plum, Caitlyn was Sweet Pea, and Haven was Peanut. He went on a Pierce family vacation to Florida where he was the king of cannonballs at the hotel pool. Great memories to cherish forever.

In 2018, he had a stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side. He spent many months in rehab, then Shirley brought him home and has been an amazing caregiver ever since. Shortly after coming home from rehab, he welcomed his first great-grandson, Landon; Charlie was so happy for a boy in his bloodline. This past March, he had another stroke and was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. He was a fighter however his body became frail as the circulation to the brain became limited. More recently, he took a rapid decline. Although, the dementia was evident, Charlie’s humor and lack of filter kept everyone laughing. Charlie will be missed dearly.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and mother, Lorene, plus a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. 

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Shirley Mae; their children Victoria Lee, Kristina Cron (and husband Chris), Tammy LeBlanc, and son Johnathan Chase Rogers; Granddaughters Alexis Hill, Cassidy Cron, Caitlyn Cron, and Haven Shuck, and great-grandson, Landon Aguallo. Charlie was also blessed with many cousins, nieces, nephews, their children, and many friends.

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