William "Bill" Robert Pierce

William (Bill) Robert Pierce of Independence Missouri passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He was 66 years old.

He was born July 17, 1958 to William Richard Pierce and Anita Irene (Merriott) Pierce. Bill graduated from Westport High School, Kansas City MO. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years, Becky; children Bethanie McLemore, Joshua Pierce, both of Texas, Nathaniel Pierce of Kansas City MO, Ron Blalock Jr (Liz) of Norborne MO, Ryan Blalock of Forsyth GA. Grandchildren Madison Warren, Bailey Jo Blalock, Sias Blalock and Evelyn Blalock. Mother in law Eleanor Park of Independence MO. Sisters Anita Olshanski (Dave) of The Villages FL, Mary James of Kansas City MO and Patricia Trissy Pierce of Tampa FL. Brothers in law Marvin Park (Gwen) and Jerry Park (Melody Aber). And his friend for decades, Gary (Susan) Kreig. Several nieces and nephews.

His loyal dogs, Gunner and Molly, will miss him terribly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Richard and Anita Irene Pierce, siblings William Richard Pierce Jr and Cathy Pierce, and father in law, Wilbur Park 

Bill was introduced to boxing at an early age. He was going to be in the ring with Muhammed Ali in 1974 at Kemper Arena, but Muhammed was late and could only compete in two fights instead of three, so Bill wasn’t able to get into the ring. Muhammed told Bill he was “a crazy white boy!”

Bill worked for Phillips Petroleum for several years and lived worldwide during those years. He also worked as a motorcycle mechanic and diesel mechanic. He was the mechanic shop supervisor for Deffenbaugh Disposal Service for several years.

Bill and Becky were married in November 2005. They combined their families into one bigger family. Family memories of traveling, camping and canoe trips will be treasured. 

Camping, fishing and building a great campfire were things he loved to do. A month prior to his passing, a pop up camper was purchased and the first camping trip was the weekend before he passed. He was so excited that a camper was now available to enjoy. He searched for that particular camper for three years before finding it.

Over the years, he had several motorcycles. Riding his motorcycle was something he always looked forward to. Bill and Becky would go for rides, usually with no destination planned.

Bill was an avid music collector. He loved all genres of music, but rock and roll was his favorite. He had an extensive music album collection and listened to his music albums on a daily basis. He and Becky had music nights where they just listened to music for hours.

Bill loved his family and the grandkids were just the light of his life. He loved wholeheartedly and he will be deeply missed.