Walter James Pierce Sr

Walter James Pierce, Sr.
January 16, 1941 – August 4, 2020



Walter James Pierce, Sr. was born to the union of Reverend Odis Fredrick Pierce, Sr. and Myrtle Sarah (Brown) Pierce on January 16, 1941 in Minden, Louisiana. He was the oldest of seven children: two brothers, Odis Pierce, who preceded him in death, William D. Pierce, Sr. (Milwaukee, WI), and four sisters, Bettie Pierce Hawkins (Cotton Valley, LA), Myrtle V. (Artis) Pierce Swafford (Shreveport, LA), Druzella Pierce (Brookfield, WI), and Elizabeth Ann Pierce Moore (Dallas, TX).

Walter’s formal education began at the age of 5 years old in a small school in Valley Springs, Louisiana, where his grandmother, Euridel Brown, was the principal. He then attended J.L. Jones Elementary School and Webster High School in Minden, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Grambling State University in Recreation in 1959.

He professed faith in Christ at a young age and became a faithful member of Mt. Calm Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana until he relocated to Paso Robles, California.

When Walter first came to California, he worked at Atascadero State Hospital and met and married the love of his life, Iopha Douglas, on September 18, 1966 and became father to her two daughters. To this union two children were born: one girl and one boy.

He earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) where he worked for over 30 years in Personnel and Advising Services helping numerous students graduate. He loved Fresno State football and helping student athletes. During his tenure at Fresno State, you would see him out on the sidelines at every Fresno State football game helping the coach and football players.

Walter served as Deacon wherever he was called to worship. He loved and faithfully served the Lord. He loved attending church, praying and listening to his father’s sermons on cassette tapes. He never met a stranger, ministered wherever he went and was a joy to all who knew him.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 7:55 a.m. at the age of seventy-nine (79) years old, Walter James Pierce, Sr. was called home to rest.

Walter is survived by his wife of 54 years, Iopha Pierce, and 4 children: Gay Cheryl Pierce Scott, Gwenevera (Gwen) Elaine Pierce Burks, Iopha Anita (Archie) Pierce-Womack, and Walter James (Yolie) Pierce II, all of Fresno, CA.; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Daddy had a heart of gold. He loved people and was a giving man in resources and wisdom. You could not spend a few minutes with him, and your life be the same. He was a great man! His laugh was infectious, his smile unforgettable, and his love heart-filling.

He will truly be missed.