Wayne Douglas Pierce Of

Melbourne, Arkansas

Wayne Douglas Pierce, son of the late Inez Pierce, was born June 5, 1941 in Limedale, Arkansas.  He departed this life January 6, 2021 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 79 years and 7 months.  Wayne was united in marriage to Shirley Brown on September 26, 1959 and together they raised two daughters.  Wayne spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, provider and friend.  Most of his working years were spent at Boeing Aircraft, retiring after 20 years of employment. However, he soon discovered retirement was not for him. So he embarked on a path of part time jobs to occupy his extra time. That path would end with his school bus driving career. And, oh how he loved his student riders. He took that job very seriously, and took great pride in his service. And visiting with the guys at the bus garage prior to each school day, was another one of his highlights.

Wayne was of the Baptist faith, and a member of Melbourne First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years:  Shirley Pierce of the home; two daughters:  Nanette Holt of Jefferson City, Missouri and Retha Miller and husband Marc of Melbourne; two sisters:  Patsy Branscum and husband Craig  and Phyllis Reeves all of Batesville; six grandchildren:  Mamie Sullins (T.J.), Amon "Trey" Holt (Alisha), Kirby Pool (Rusty), Kelsi Bray (Nic), Mazie Osman (Zach) and Kimberly Barnes; 21 great grandchildren:  Jaxon, Cason, Maeci, Stella, Gus, Cash, Tucker, Chase, Chaylee, Jett, Aaron, Logan, Lincoln, Lindie, Luke, Lainey, Avery, Cael, Jordan, Riley, and Quincy; his uncle:  J. D. Pierce of Batesville; a half brother:  Duran Page of Batesville  and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his mother; one sister:  Linda Wilson; two great grandsons:  Jasper Pool and Aaden McCurley.

Visitation will be Friday, January 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Private graveside funeral service will be Saturday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Old Philadelphia Cemetery with Rick Burke officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Old Philadelphia Cemetery, C/O Betty McCollum, P. O. Box 1264, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556

Pallbearers:  Amon "Trey" Holt, Gus Cooper, Cash Cooper, Jaxon Sanders, Cason Sanders, Chase McCurley.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Shawn Drake, Ricky Wilson, Jimmy Paul Brown, Roger Brown, Timmy Brown, Shane Wilson.