James Dudley Pearce

Smithville – James Dudley Pearce, 85, died on Friday, November 28, 2014, at his residence. Born on January 18, 1929, in Smithville, he was a son of the late Robert Houston “R. H.” and Ida Mae Carpenter Pearce.

Mr. Pearce was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1948. He honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. On December 5, 1953, he married Joanne Baker. While going to school, Mr. Pearce worked at Marion’s Hatchery. He later worked at Pullman Couch as an upholsterer and retired from Townhouse/Penthouse as a line supervisor. Mr. Pearce was a member of Pearce Chapel Free Will Baptist Church and attended Turon United Methodist Church. His family, especially his grandchildren, were important to him. Mr. Pearce was passionate about helping family and friends and volunteering at Helping Hands in Smithville. Outgoing, he loved the outdoors, his animals, cows, gardening, farming and fishing. Mr. Pearce loved Westerns and enjoyed Country and Gospel music.

Survivors include his daughter, Denise Carter (Woodrow), Detroit, AL; son, Gary Pearce (Crystal), Smithville; brother, Thomas Dow Pearce, Smithville; grandchildren, Wesley Gilmore (Melisa), Matthew Gilmore, Jodie Gilmore (Consettia); Ashlyn and Barrett Pearce; Gerald Carter (Veronica); and Rachel Robertson (James); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kylie, Addyson and Bryant Gilmore; Kirstin and Kinsley Tidwell; Laura Parker; Travis and Clint Carter; niece, Patti Umfress and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Pearce.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, November 30 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Smithville with Bro. Charles Coggins and Bro. Tom Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Wesley, Matthew and Jodie Gilmore; Ashlyn and Barrett Pearce; and Tyler Gilmore. Honorary pallbearers will be Bryant Gilmore and Travis and Clint Carter.

Visitation will be from Noon – 1:50 PM, Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Helping Hands, PO Box 93, Smithville, MS 38870.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.