88S30796 CJM-D
 
  By: Darby H.R. No. 30
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close
  with the passing of Dewey Edward Pierce of San Angelo on August 9,
  2023, at the age of 94; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Orville Winston Pierce and Ethel Irene
  Adams Pierce, Dewey Pierce was born in Becker, Mississippi, on
  March 7, 1929, and he grew up with three brothers, Junior, J. C.,
  and Thomas; during World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy with
  his older brother, adding a year to his age on the application
  because he was only 17; he proudly served as a machinist mechanic on
  the USS Hooper Island auxiliary ship in Japan; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Pierce's tour of duty ended in 1947, and he
  borrowed $100 from his uncle to move to San Angelo for a job
  building the dam on the north side of town; there he met the love of
  his life, the former Veva "Vicky" Lee Balkum, and after a
  three-month courtship, they wed in the town of Miles on September
  15, 1950; early in their marriage, they traveled to Alabama,
  Indiana, and Mississippi as Mr. Pierce looked for employment; they
  lived with his parents while saving up for their return to San
  Angelo, where he launched Pierce Paint Company in 1952; with skill
  and diligence, he earned a reputation for excellence, and he
  mentored many painters over the years, preparing them to go off on
  their own; he decided to step away from his business at the age of
  75, but one of his former employees asked to hire him, and he
  continued to set the standard for younger workers for nine more
  years until his retirement; and
         WHEREAS, A valued member of Immanuel Baptist Church,
  Mr. Pierce served on numerous committees and assisted in many
  projects, and he was named a Deacon Emeritus; in his leisure hours,
  he enjoyed bowling, but his favorite pastime was playing poker and
  other games with his treasured family; he and his wife shared a
  fulfilling relationship until her passing in 2016, and he was
  devoted to his daughters, Janis and Sandra, and to his five
  grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; loyal, kind, and
  playful, he brightened the days of those around him with his
  signature jokes and contagious laughter; and
         WHEREAS, Although Dewey Pierce is deeply missed, his zest for
  life will remain a source of inspiration to all who were privileged
  to share in his love and friendship; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
  of Dewey Edward Pierce and extend sincere sympathy to the members of
  his family: to his daughters, Janis Baucom and her husband, Jim, and
  Sandra Love; to his grandchildren, Joshua, Kasi, Pierce, Jade, and
  Krystee; to his great-grandchildren, Aidon, Celes, Kadin, Matthew,
  Riley, Rogue, and Adalyn; and to his many other relatives and
  friends; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dewey
  Pierce.