Richard Austin "Mr. Pierce" Pierce, III

Richard "Mr. Pierce" Pierce, III, age 52, of Latimer, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2010, in Gulfport. Mr. Pierce, as he liked very much to be called, was born March 25, 1958, in Sumter, SC, and had been a longtime resident of Latimer. He was a loving son of Della and Larry Warren and in their care for 52 years. He participated in the Special Olympics where he was the recipient of many awards and medals. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as butterfingers and his dog "Buddy". He frequently visited the Keesler Fire Department where he had a special bond with friends there. He was a very caring person, who was interested in other people and always asked how Mrs. Cruthirds was doing. He liked to go bowling and enjoyed watching the "Price is Right" and wrestling on TV. He was a very special person, much loved by family and friends, and never met anyone he didn't like. Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mattie Daugherty, and Austin and Mossy Pierce. He is survived by his parents, Della and Larry Warren; father, Richard A. Pierce; stepfather, David Singfield; sisters, Charlotte (Dominic) Delgaicco, Sherry, and Christy Rich; brothers, David, Dave and Larry, Jr.; nieces, Amber, Brandy and Ashley; nephews, John, Jerry Dominic, Anthoney, Phillip and David; very special friends, Allison Sandridge and Leatricia Atkinson; his dog, "Buddy"; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Knoxville, TN. The family wishes to extend their special thanks to Select Specialty Hospital, second floor nurses station, in Gulfport and AMR personnel. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2010, at Fayard Chapel United Methodist Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Fayard Chapel Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.