Dewey Edward Pierce

In the early morning hours of August 9, 2023, Dewey Edward Pierce, 94, drifted peacefully from his sleep into Eternity to his Heavenly Father and rejoined the love of his life, Vicky, along with his parents and three brothers.

Public viewing will be from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a family visitation from 4:30 PM until 6:30 PM Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM Monday, August 14, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church with Mills Caraway, officiating. A private burial will be in Miles Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. The grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Dewey was born in the small town of Becker, Mississippi on March 7, 1929 to Orville Winston Pierce and Ethel Irene Adams Pierce. He was the second oldest of four boys growing up in a small home around Amory, Mississippi. When his older brother and him decided to join the US Navy, Dewey being only 17 years old was not eligible. So being that rambunctious boy, he decided to put on his application that he was 18 years old and just see if he could get in...and of course he did! After completing boot camp, due to the railroad strike, Dewey could not get home to see his family and was sent directly to assignment. He proudly served as a machinist mechanic on the USS Hooper Island Auxiliary Ship in Japan during WWII in 1945 and finished his tour in December 1947. Dewey completed his High School while in the Navy and upon discharge his only request was to have his printed diploma from his hometown high school, Becker High School. His commanding officer was able to honor this request with a few telephone calls.

After the Navy in looking for work, he saw an ad for work in Texas, borrowed $100.00 from his uncle, and moved to San Angelo, Texas to help build the Dam on the North side of town. Dewey met and fell in love with Veva "Vicky" Lee Balkum in June 1950 and after three months dating, they were married on September 15, 1950 in Miles, Texas. Once married, they travelled to Alabama, Indiana, and back to Mississippi so Dewey could find work. Struggling, they moved back to Amory and lived with his parents until they saved enough money to get back to San Angelo.

In 1952, he started Pierce Paint Co. and is still renown in San Angelo as one of the best painters in town. Dewey believed "if you are not going to give your best, then don't do it," and he lived by this every day. He mentored many painters allowing them to branch off and start their own painting businesses. After retiring from Pierce Paint Co., at the age of 75, he was approached by his one of his former employees to come to work for his business. It was said that "even at his age, he still paints circles around all of us youngsters." Dewey finally retired from all painting at the age of 84!

Dewey was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church serving on numerous committees and projects and was honored as Deacon Emeritus. Although he was an avid bowler obtaining many accolades, his favorite hobby was playing games with family, especially poker.

Survivors include two daughters: Janis Baucom and husband Jim (whom he loved as his own), and Sandra Love, all of San Angelo; five grandchildren: Joshua Baucom and fiancé Tiffany Ellwanger of San Angelo, Kasi Love and wife Ashley of Houston, Texas, Pierce Love and wife Hannah of San Angelo, Jade Holik and husband Clint of Miles, Texas and Krystee Love of Midland, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Aidon, Celes, Kadin, Matthew, Riley, Rogue, and Adalyn.
Dewey was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, parents, and his three brothers, Junior, JC, and Thomas.

Dewey was the very best Daddy, Pa, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was a breath of fresh air with an animated personality that included a contagious laugh, a playful nature, and always having a joke to tell, and tell, and tell again. His zest for life was exemplified in his smile, his laughter, kindness, loyalty, and love for his family.

To love him and to be loved by him was to feel the sun from both sides.

The family would like to thank Dewey's special family from the San Angelo Nursing & Rehab for their love and care the past four years and for the extra care Hospice of San Angelo provided these last three months.

For those wanting to make memorials, please consider West Texas Rehab's Hospice of San Angelo, Meals for the Elderly or a charity of your choice.