Joseph Marion Pearce

Joseph “Joe” Marion Pearce, 98, died Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rachel Sybil Pearce, who he faithfully cared for throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his daughter, Irma Sippel (Mark); his son, Joseph Pearce (Vanessa); four grandchildren, Jennifer Klaerner (Justin), Jessica Morrison (Matthew), Julee Mason, and Cameron Pearce; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Brooklyn, Mississippi and spent his childhood alongside his four siblings swimming in Black Creek and playing basketball across the street in the school yard.  After graduating from Forrest County Agricultural High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Army as a Wire Chief Telephone and Telegraph Operator in the Allied Occupation of Germany.  He utilized GI Bill funding to earn his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State College (now MSU), where he played first base and outfield on the 1949 Southeastern Conference champion baseball team.  He went on to earn his master’s degree from Mississippi Southern College (now USM).

Shortly after starting his career as a coach and administrator at Petal High School, his sister Mary Ellen introduced Joe to her friend and boarding house neighbor Rachel. Rachel became the love of his life, and their personalities just fit. When he was competitive and excitable, she was gracious and even-tempered. They each brought out the best in the other.

Joe and Rachel were married in 1957 and moved to Fort Worth, Texas shortly thereafter to pursue a career opportunity for Joe at General Dynamics. There he contributed to major defense projects and mentored younger managers.

After their retirement in 1984, he and Rachel built a home on her family homestead in Laurel, Mississippi. They spent over 20 years there, living out an ideal retirement in which Joe golfed every morning, fished most afternoons, and spent the summers welcoming grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends for slower-paced extended visits. They later moved back to Texas to be near their children.

Joe was a skilled jack of all trades: he played professional farm system baseball, piloted his family in his plane, built his own home, delivered dozens of calves, captained deep sea fishing and shrimping trips on his boat, Rachel, and, in his later years, frequently had a golf score lower than his age. He was a wonderful storyteller and made friends everywhere he went.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He regularly called his family and friends and was always genuinely interested in how they were doing. His face lit up when one of his great-granddaughters walked into the room, and he was endlessly proud of his family.

He loved the Lord and was a member of the United Methodist Church.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Joe and Rachel's wonderful life will be held at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home on June 25, 2025 at 2 pm.