James "Monk" Pierce, age 77, of Watha died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Pender Memorial Hospital.

He was born December 9, 1932 in Pender County and was the son of the late James R. and Dora Piner Pierce. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Pierce and sisters, Virginia Counts and Elizabeth Maynard.

Mr. Pierce served his country honorably in the United States Coast Guard and the United States Air Force where he retired with twenty years of service.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Sylvia Padgett Pierce of the home; son, Gary Pierce; daughters, Shelby P. Anderson and husband, Randy and Michelle P. Whitley, all of Watha; grandchildren, Dale, Kelly, Heather, Brooke and Hope; great grandchildren, Ethan and Mason; sisters, Dorothy Stallings of Wallace, Jessie Newland of Burgaw and Annie B. Ottoway of Leland and numerous friends.

Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Friday, September 24, 2010 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Rev. Barry Teague and the Rev. Gary Avery officiating. Burial will follow in Watha United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 pm, on Friday, one hour prior the funeral service at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Memorial gifts may be given to Watha PFWB Church, c/o Cynthia Merritt, 1744 Anderson Store Road, Watha, NC 28478.

Condolences may be sent to the Pierce family below.

A heart of gold stopped beating,
Two shinning eyes at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove
He only takes the best.