onnie Lewis Pierce was born on March 17, 1950 in Columbia, Mississippi to Homer and Iva (Cox) Pierce. He passed away on May 11, 2017 surrounded by a loving family under the care of Hospice.
Family
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ana (Lagarto) Pierce. The two married April 18, 1976 in Subic Bay, Philippines. Additionally he is survived by brother Don Ray Pierce; sisters Connie Breshears, Rita Bellotti; niece Belinda; nephew Russell, Bill; great-niece Ashley; great-nephew Brandon; and his four dogs Lucky, Toby, Chester and Cujo.
Military Career and Decorations
Ronnie retired from the United States Navy after twenty three years of faithful service finally retiring as a Chief Petty Officer Aviation Structural Mechanic on January 31, 1993. He entered the Navy March of 1969 and his career took him throughout the United States and throughout the world. At the time of his retirement Chief Pierce was eligible to wear the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designation, Navy Achievement Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Navy Battle E awards, five Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and the Recruiting Service Ribbon on is uniform. In addition to these awards Chief Pierce received numerous other letters of commendation and appreciation.
Services
A graveside service with military honors provide by the United States Navy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm. All guests planning on attending the ceremony should arrive at Florida National Cemetery at 1:40 pm. Military honors will also be provided by American Legion Post 155 from Crystal River, Florida. The Patriot Guard Riders of Florida have been invited as honored guests.
Special Acknowledgements
The Pierce family would like to thank the staff at Suncoast Hospice Care Center for the outstanding care provided to Ronnie during his final days.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
So sorry.He and I were texting a few months ago.I remember him he was very young.
We will miss Ron – he was a friend and shipmate. He was the best of the best and a credit to the Navy. He will be sorely missed. Ana, Belen and I are here and will try to help you in any way that we can.
I remember Ronny(Rooster) as he was known in VP22. He was always laughing and joking around. You don’t come across people like Ron often. Fair Winds and Following Seas ole’Mate.
I have known Ron since I was a young girl. I graduated high school with him and then lost touch. So glad to have reconnected with him through FB several years ago. He was so sweet and was one of a kind. RIP, my friend. I will miss the FB posts and your personality. Prayers for the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Ronnie’s passing. I graduated from high school and shared some good times. We were in the same home room. As we do after high school we go separate ways and sometimes see each other at class reunions. We had our 50th class reunion due next year. We will miss him. Ronnie and I reconnected on facebook. I loved his post, especially when he shared some of our favorite music. His mother and I worked together at the hospital in Columbia. Sending prayers of comfort to all of his family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear about Ron.. he was a high school friend and my first facebook friend.. he often spoke lovingly about his wife.. and also those dogs.. thinking about and praying for family..
I just found out about Ron’s passing, he will truly be missed. I served with him in VP-22 and a few years later we crossed paths on board the uss midway. He ways brought a laugh and smile to everyone he every met. Years later we touched base briefly when he was in Florida and we both had great laughs about the old days. Rest in peace my friend.