Rayford Riley Pierce

Rayford Riley Pierce passed away peacefully in his home in New Waverly, Texas. surrounded by family. He was born August 29, 1950 to Riley W. and Mary Nell Pierce in Jacksonville, TX. Rayford graduated from Aldine High School in 1968. He also attended University of Houston. On Valentine’s Day 1970, Rayford married the love of his life, Charlene Pavlock. Ray started his career with Hi-Lo Auto Supply in 1965 when he was only 15 years old. At age 19, he was the youngest store manager. He continued to work at Hi-Lo for almost 30 years. During this time, he developed many long lasting professional and personal relationships. He soon discovered retirement life wasn’t for him just yet. He then went on to work for 21 years at J.A.M. Distributing. He and Charlene decided it was time to finally retire to their 93- acre farm in New Waverly at the end of 2017.Rayford always enjoyed working with his Black Angus cattle in Alto as well as in New Waverly. He loved the country and could ride on his tractor from sunup to sundown. However, his true enjoyment came from his three grandchildren. He tried to make as many of their games as possible, whether it was football, basketball, softball, or track, Goon was there! He is preceded in death by his father; Riley W. Pierce; two infant siblings; Brenda Kay and Donald Wayne as well as a brother; Jack Edward, his beloved grandmother; Ella Mae Pierce; step-father; Russell E. Spencer and in-laws; Charlie and Maggie Pavlock. He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Charlene Pavlock Pierce, daughter; Tammy Birdsong and husband George and three grandchildren Jacob, Colton and Maddie Birdsong all of Arp, TX, mother; Mary Nell Spencer (Zachary, LA), sisters; Becky Perkins (Winnsboro) and Teresa Vickers (Zachary, LA) and several nieces nephews and cousins. Pallbearers: Robert Lenard, Cody Thompson, Jerry Bobbitt, Steven Guice, Jon Flynn, and John Benestante. Honorary Pallbearers: Jacob and Colton Birdsong. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10am at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 10129 FM 1097 West, Willis. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 6-8pm at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis with burial immediately following service at Elmina Cemetery in New Waverly, Texas. We will be following all CDC mandates and ask that each guest do so as well. Masks are required. You are invited to leave a written condolence on our website at www.shmfh.com.

Rayford Riley Pierce

August 29, 1950 - August 8, 2020