Watson Bryant Pierce

We celebrate the life of Watson Bryant Pierce. Watson passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 27, 2018 surrounded by loving family. He was the youngest of 4 children when he was born on July 5, 1921, and remained close to his siblings throughout life. We very fondly remember Wesley, Ruth, and Earl who have passed as well. He was on State Championship debate teams in high school and college. He served 3 years during World War II as a Navy Supply Officer. In 1947 he obtained a Masters in Business Administration from his beloved University of Michigan. In his early career he was Educational Division Manager at American Seating Company. He then spent 40 years in investments, as Financial Advisor (stock broker) at Raymond James. Community service involved East Grand Rapids Commissioner, president of Rotary East, and Board member of Visiting Nurse Association and Fountain Street Church, where he served as Board chairman. 

He had a very loving partnership with his wife, Elsie Evans Pierce, who passed away in 2009 after 62 years of marriage. Together they raised 4 children and 5 grandchildren and owned and developed the Whitefish Lake Golf Club in Pierson Michigan. 

Watson was a wonderful example of kindness and integrity throughout life and we will miss him greatly. His children are Bryant Watson Pierce (wife Kay), Gary Evan Pierce (Diane), Lorraine Evonne Pierce, and Kimberlee Joy O’Donald (John). Grandchildren are Glen Vincent Pierce, Owen Eri Pierce, Andrew John O’Donald, Shannon Evans O’Donald, and Keegan Charles O’Donald. We acknowledge his many wonderful nieces and nephews as well. We will all miss his bright smile and his energetic love of life, U of M sports, sailing, and tennis. He had a long life very well lived.

Family will host a time for memories and visitation on June 27 from 4-7PM at Metcalf  & Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Rd, SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546. A memorial service is planned at 11AM on June 30 at Whitefish Lake Golf Club, 2241 Bass Lake Rd, Pierson MI 49339, where a luncheon reception will follow. 

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