Joshua David Pierce

Joshua David Pierce (33) son, brother, nephew, friend, went home to be with the Lord on June 13, 2022.

Born May 10, 1989, in Richmond, Virginia, Joshua spent much of his life serving and protecting the people and country he loved both in the U.S. and abroad. 

As a child, he and his family served as missionaries in Meru, Kenya. He later graduated high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a 0311 Infantry Rifleman. Joshua proudly served his country from 2008-2013, which included a brave tour of duty in Afghanistan. Upon his return, he earned a diploma in automotive technology from the NASCAR Technical Institute. 

Always an active member of his local church, Joshua served on a number of local and international service projects including an extended time in Costa Rica.

To sum up Josh’s life in a few short paragraphs is near impossible. Aside from his far too short timeline, here’s what you should know:

• Josh loved people…like, really loved people. He was always ready with a big smile and even bigger hug whenever you needed it.
• You were safe when you were with Josh. He was hardwired to protect and care for those around him.
• ​Josh loved to be outside and enjoyed working with his hands whether hunting, camping or fixing any kind of machinery.
• ​He had a tribe of incredible friends he loved deeply.
• There is no one Josh loved more than Jesus. He devoted his life to being more and more like him. If there is one thing he would want to leave you with, it’s this: Jesus loves you. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

He is survived by his father, David W. Pierce, mother, Teresa “Terri” DeBerry (Mike), sister, Sarah Gendron (James), grandmother, Carolyn Pierce, grandfather, James H. Amick, uncle, Steven Pierce (Jayne Ann), aunt, Vickie Woodbury (William), and cousins, Matthew, Daniel, John, Laura (Ryan), Nathan (Jessica) and Alan.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Lawrence “Larry” Pierce, and grandmother, Katie Mae Amick.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 2 p.m., at Living Word Family Church, in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, on Monday, June 27.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hope Reins where Josh volunteered or the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation, two organizations near and dear to Joshua’s heart.