George Ray Pierce, Jr. (Ray), age 76, of Somerville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, following a courageous battle with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Prostate Cancer that had metastasized to his lungs and bones.

He was born on February 15, 1950, to the late George Ray Pierce Sr. and Marie Glatt Pierce. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marj Pierce, and three nephews, Steve, Gregory and John Warren. His only sibling, Judy Warren, died on July 26 just this year.

Ray was an active member of the former Macon Methodist Church and was a professed Christian who loved God and his fellow man. He was a member of the choir and loved to sing the old gospel songs.

He was a retired technician for business telephone systems and owned his own company at one time. Ray also received certified medical training with the U.S. Air Force and became a Medical Specialist serving in Udorn Thailand during the Vietnam War. They were treating the wounded being flown in 24/7 from combat. His nickname was “Cockeye Pierce” because the housemaid could not say “Hawkeye.”

Ray was a Master Gardener of Fayette County and received recognition for his volunteer work in business beautification in the Somerville/Oakland areas. As his physical abilities diminished, he would be the person on the telephone when one would call the Agricultural Extension Office for solutions to gardening and farming issues.

Ray loved deer hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, canning, dutch oven cooking, woodworking, travel and much more. He was smart, creative, and could build or fix almost anything. He was well loved by everyone who knew him and was always willing to serve and to help the sick and suffering.

Services will be held at Peebles West Funeral Chapel, 10670 Hwy 64, Somerville, TN. Burial will be at Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery immediately following on the same day at 1661 Elvis Presley Blv., Memphis, TN 38106.