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David Paul Pierce, 56, of Elizabethton, Tenn., born March 24, 1967, unexpectedly went to be with his Heavenly Father. He was found on August 19, 2023, in Unicoi County of unknown causes, but suspected foul play after going missing on August 10, 2023. At this time, it is still being investigated by the TBI, Carter County, and Unicoi County Sheriff’s offices.

David had a diverse career, having worked in various fields ranging from sheetrock, landscaping, to mechanical tasks. In his free time, he enjoyed taking what he called “walk abouts,, collecting items he found and finding uses for them (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure), building things, playing chess and card games, and most importantly spending time with his grandchildren. Being a grandfather came naturally to him. He had a passion for helping people and cherished his family, friends, and animals; especially his dog, Frog. He was a beloved father and a pillar of strength for many. David was known for his sarcastic humor and unwavering loyalty to those who he cared about. His positive attitude and determination were evident in his everyday life. He will be remembered as an extremely kind, loving, gentle, and peaceful person who adored his family. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Kitty Leona Gayle Pierce of Elizabethton, Tenn.; his father and step-mother, Jerry Lee and Brenda Louise Pierce of Kentwood, Mich.; his ex-wife and mother of his three daughters, Karen Sue Pierce of West Portsmouth, Ohio; his daughter and son-in-law, Trisha and Timothy Zoellner of West Portsmouth, Ohio; his daughter, Misty Pierce of West Portsmouth, Ohio; his daughter, Crystal Pierce of Stafford, Va.; an estranged wife and mother of his son, Blythe Marie Pierce of Hampton, Tenn.; his son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Ciara Shaver of Elizabethton, Tenn.; his sister, Angela Gardner-Cable; his sister and her wife, Amy and Megan Pierce-Danders; his sister and her wife, Tricia and Emily McKinlynn; his sister, Cheryl Grimes; his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Susan DuBay; 18 grandchildren, Kelsey, Haley and Kenneth Fowler, Miley and Damion Castle, Shyanne and Brayden Zoellner, Trinity Thomas, Rebecca, Julius and Rulena Carter, Isaac Winters, Amelia Herrera, Danyella, Kylah, Lucah, Mikah and Ariya Shaver; two great-grandchildren, Wrenlee Bradley and Zariah Zoellner; as well as many extended family member and friends.

In death, David was reunited with his beloved baby brother, Lonnie Ray Pierce of Elizabethton, Tenn., after Lonnie’s passing on October 16, 2023, and he joined his grandmother, Hattie Gardner; his grandfather, Elmer Gardner; his uncles, Adelbert, Robert and Charles Gardner; his cousin, Cody Hughes; and his aunts, Alice Glass and Christine Waldrop.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

To my father:

I love you more than words could ever explain. A piece of my heart will forever be missing. Your love was unconditional, and your smile could light up a room. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not miss you. I love you with all my heart always and forever.

Your little girl

This obituary was written in loving memory by David’s family.

Mountain Empire Cremation and Burial Services, Jonesborough, (423) 913-4818.