AHOSKIE – Cedric Erroll Pierce, age 79 of Ahoskie, died Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital.

Cedric was born March 22, 1931 in Bertie County to the late Frank Henry Pierce and Lillian Byrum Pierce.

He was a graduate of Colerain High School and Chowan College and a Veteran of the Korean War. He was a farmer and owner/operator of C. Pierce Shooting Preserve. Cedric was an avid fisherman, hunter and lover of outdoor life, never taking for granted the natural beauty of nature. He gave generously to others. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Ashley Memorial Chapel at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home in Ahoskie. Rev. Daniel Glaze and Rev. Billy Pressley will officiate, Burial will be private preceding the service. A reception will follow the memorial service at Catherine’s Restaurant in Ahoskie.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Shirley Baker Pierce; a son, Cedric Gray Pierce; and a sister, Vernell P. Miller of Portsmouth, VA. Cedric is also survived by two nieces, Teresa M. Puttman of Great Bridge, VA and Carol P. Hughes of New Bern; and two nephews, Stuart Pierce of Ahoskie and Frankie Pierce of Raleigh.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Shirley Pierce.

The family will receive friends at the home.

The family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, PO Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910.

Friends and family may send online condolences to www.garrettjonesfh.com.

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home in Ahoskie is serving the Pierce family.