Phillip "Phil" Pierce

Phillip “Phil” Pierce age 83, of Whiteland, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.

Phil was born on March 23, 1941, in Indianapolis to Franklin “Hank” and Mildred (Gaither) Pierce Sr. His family soon moved to Brown County; a place Phil cherished for the rest of his life. He and his siblings attended several schools in the area, including Helmsburg, Nineveh and Cravens one room schoolhouse. In those days, Brown County was wild and adventurous, and Phil, along with his brothers Frank, Dave, and George, fearlessly explored every nook and cranny of the county, often embarking on thrilling—and sometimes scary—adventures. As an adult, Phil found his calling as a carpenter, foreman, and superintendent, working across the country and even internationally.

Phil was an active member of the Smith Valley United Methodist Church in Greenwood and Carpenters Union 758. He also belonged to several antique tractor clubs, including the Johnson County Antique Tractor Club, and collected various antique model tractors.

Phil had a deep passion for mission work, participating in trips to Spain with the former OMS and to Cartagena, Colombia with Bridges of Hope Missions. He encouraged everyone to experience a mission trip, believing it would change their lives forever. Known for his warm, welcoming spirit, Phil never met a stranger, and his many friends across the world were considered part of his extended family. His church family was incredibly important to him, and he was deeply loved by them. Phil lived a life full of love and faith, often saying that his cup overflowed, with his joy being so abundant that he was "drinking from the saucer."

Phil is survived by his wife, Marilyn whom he married in July of 1989; children, Bruce (Rhonda) Pierce of Franklin, Laura (Scott) Rose of New Castle, Sheila (Rob) Sprague of Greenwood and Matthew Pierce of New Whiteland; step-sons, Scott Betts of Greenwood and Doug (Gina) Betts of Trafalgar; his siblings, Frank (Becky) Pierce of Florida, Dave (Terry) Pierce of Franklin, William (Mary) Pierce of Jackson County, Brenda Mann of Southport, Barbara Cook of Florida and April (Donald) Goodwin of Norman; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter expected in June; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Donna, his former wife and the mother of his children; grandson, Korey Sprague; stepfather, Pat Yates; and siblings, Thelma Fletcher, Ruthie Hepperle, and George Pierce.

Phil was deeply loved by everyone he encountered and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pastor Trevor Farmer will conduct a funeral service on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street, Morgantown. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. until the service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Phil's memory to the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at meredith-clark.com.

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