Bill Pierce of Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024. He was 82 years old and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.
Born in Detroit, Michigan to Russell and Clara Pierce on January 26, 1942, Bill was the eldest of three children and enjoyed spending summers on his grandparents' farm in Sprungtown, MI. True to his Detroit roots, he was always a fan of Motown music and loved everything to do with cars - driving them, working on them and attending car shows.
Bill graduated from Western High School in 1960 and married the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Carol Schnueringer, on October 10, 1964. They eventually left Detroit and raised their family in Howell, MI because Bill wanted his children, Dawn and Keith, to grow up in the quiet, slow-paced country lifestyle he loved so much.
After proudly working for 30 years as an Engine Test Operator at Detroit Diesel, Bill retired in 1999. The following year, he and Carol bought a home in Bradenton, FL and enjoyed escaping Michigan winters until making Bradenton their permanent, year-round home in 2017. He spent his retirement living life to the fullest: taking several cruises and cross-country road trips with Carol, visiting his children and grandchildren in Michigan, California, Illinois, and North Carolina and attending car shows with his 1936 Chevy, which he named, The Other Woman. He was very proud of the many awards he won with his car, including Best in Show.
He loved his family more than anything and proudly bragged about his children and grandchildren to all who would listen! He was known for his sense of humor, silly stories and robust laughter. He was an avid reader and loved his daily crossword puzzles.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Clara Pierce, and his younger brother, Richard Pierce. He is survived by his sister, Joann Nolan; wife, Carol Pierce; children, Dawn Johnson and Keith (Michelle) Pierce; grandchildren, Zak Johnson, Tori Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Jake Johnson, Devin Pierce, Deziree Ebner, Amanda Thomson and Alex Thomson; three great grandchildren; a nephew, three nieces, and his chihuahua, Cookie.
No Services are planned at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests donations in Bill's honor may be sent to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/.
