Garland W. (Gump) Pierce died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, May 2, 2014.

He was born January 3, 1919, the son of the late William Archie Pierce and Lucy Ellen Lassiter Pierce of South Norfolk, VA. He lived in his home town for 79 years until moving to Wilmington in 1998 with his wife to live with their daughter and son-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy E. Pierce, who died in 2002. Surviving is his daughter Florence (Flossie) Reutlinger and her husband Doug of Wilmington; 2 granddaughters, Monica Schneider and husband James of Norcross, GA and Dana Reutlinger of Orlando, FL; 3 great grandchildren Austin, William and Elizabeth Schneider. Surviving also a brother, Artwell L. Pierce of Chesapeake, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He was very blessed to have a close family and so many who loved him.

He had been a member of South Norfolk Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA since 1919. Prior to becoming home bound he attended Smith-West Bible Class at First Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC. He served in WWII as Machinist 1st Class and was re-called for the Korean conflict.

Gump retired after 33 years from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. His last position was an apprentice instructor and felt pride instructing young men in their trade. After retiring from the shipyard he had a second career with General Foam Plastics in Norfolk, VA which he also retired.

Gump was a member of the Wilmington Lions Club and a former member and past president of the Chesapeake Hosts Lions Club in Chesapeake, VA. In VA, he also served on the Governor's Cabinet. He loved being a Lion and truly believed in Lionism.

In his late 80"˜s he began woodcarving and joined the Hampstead Woodcarvers Club. He often commented how he wished he had become involved with carving earlier in his life. He did work with his hands all his life as a machinist, woodworker and cabinetmaker.

He loved fishing, especially surf fishing and Kitty Hawk, NC where he had a second home for years. He was happiest at sunrise on the beach fishing with his wife and other family members. He volunteered most of his life and delivered Meals on Wheels for the Senior Center while living in Wilmington. He believed if you had extra time and money you should serve and help those less fortunate.

The family will receive friends from 5PM to 7PM, Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Bradley Creek Chapel. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, May 5, 2104 at the funeral home. Interment Oleander Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the memory wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Bradley Creek Chapel, 315 Willow Woods Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409 910-794-7171

Funeral service Monday, 10:30 AM, Quinn McGowen Bradley Creek Chapel. Visitation from 5-7 Sunday at the Funeral Home. Interment Oleander Memorial Gardens.