Robert Lee Pierce

Retired Master Sergeant Robert Lee Pierce, age 86, of Erie, PA made his final transition on June 3, 2024. Robert was born on April 30, 1938, in Baldwyn, Miss., to the late Jessie Pierce Jr. and Rosie Windham-Pierce.

Robert moved to Erie as an infant with his parents and his older sister, Jessie. While he was a student at Academy High School Robert made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. During his time as a Marine Robert served his country honorably during the Korean War. Master Sergeant Pierce retired from the USMC, and Reserves, after completing 25 years of distinguished service.

After returning home Robert worked at Erie Malleable Iron for 30 years. Following Pierce family tradition Robert joined the Erie chapter of the Masons, and Eastern Star. Through 61 years Robert moved up the ranks as: Past Master of Bay City Lodge #68, 32 Degree Sublime Prince, of Whitney M. Young Consistory #88, Noble of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine, Pharaoh Temple #183 Prince Hall Affiliated. 

Robert had a passion for carving. While visiting his uncle, Elijah Pierce, he gave Robert a carving tool. Through Uncle Elijah’s tutelage he was able to embrace his natural God-given talent of taking a piece of wood and turning it into a work of art.

At a young age he was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. After uniting with his wife, Fannie, he served faithfully as a trustee at Community Missionary Baptist Church 

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his sister Jessie M. Payne, son Robert L. Gaines, his only nephew Vernon (Moochie) Payne, great-niece Letitia Pierce and his step-daughter Rachel McGill.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Fannie E. Pierce, his three sons Alexander (Paige) and Aaron Pierce of Erie and Anthony (Michelle) Pierce of Phg, PA, stepchildren Carolyn, Michael and Richard McGill, grandchildren: Nikole (Marcus) Rhone, Amani, Anthony, Erica, Alexa, Alivia and Damien Pierce, great-granddaughter Aurora, nieces Geraldine Brunson, Jaqueline Pierce, Gina (Curtis) Lofton, Pamela Payne and Kelley (Craig) Ulmer. He is also survived by 6 great nieces and nephews and 4 great-great nieces and nephews and his sons lifelong friends, his bonus sons, Greg McCullum, Dana Stewart, Kevin Sykes and several cousins.

Friends may call at the Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 German St., Erie, PA 16503 on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Erie Cemetery. Arrangements by the Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W 10th Street.