Roy Johnson Pierce III, 89, a McMinnville resident and Nashville native, was born Feb. 19, 1931 and died Dec. 24 at his residence following a sudden illness.

He was a retired vice president of Five Star Food Service, a United States Air Force veteran, a member of Christ Community Church, and the son of the late Roy Johnson and Bessie Carver Pierce Jr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife Colleen Teague Pierce, brother Russell Pierce, and sisters Mary Ann Jackson and Betty Mysogland.

Mr. Pierce is survived by children Paula Gillespie (C.J. “Butch” Stamps) of Rock Island, Roy J. (Mitzi) Pierce IV of Murfreesboro, Jim (Lorie) Pierce of McMinnville, and Leslie (Freddy) Hoover of Viola, seven grandchildren Ashley Pierce (Jarrod Phillips), R.J. (Jacqui) Pierce V, Rylan Colleen (Avery) Pierce, Sarah Elizabeth Hoover, Cade Hoover, Luke Hoover, and Carrie (Tal) Hackmey; three great-grandchildren Hayes Christian Pierce, Addison Pierce, and Reed Pierce.

A graveside inurnment will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Mt. View Cemetery. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing is strongly requested. Military grave rights will be conducted by American Legion Post 173 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Viola Valley Dogs, HAWC, Kastaway Kitties, any animal charity of one’s choice, or The Hope Center. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 3, 2021