Chester James Pierce

Chester James Pierce was born on July 24, 1933 in Atmore, Alabama. Chester “CJ” was the fourth of eleven children born to the union of Joe Pierce and Carlee Rabb Pierce. Six siblings preceded him in death, four sisters and two brothers: twins Sally and Annie (18 months old), Zedia (1981), Magdeline (2013), George Delano (2014), and Jim (2017). Two grandsons also died before him, Keith Stallworth and James Toccarall Stallworth. Chester spent his early years attending school and working on the family farm with his parents and siblings. After two brothers, Jim and George moved to Chicago in 1954, where his oldest sister Maggie lived, Chester packed up and moved north too. He lived with Maggie and her family until he completed courses at a school specializing in automobile repair. He soon began working as a body and fender specialist. He took pride in his skills and work ethic and soon CJ was the best at his job in the repair shop. He eagerly advised family and friends when they needed his services. Chester had a desire to travel and see more of the “Good Old USA”, so he went to visit family in Connecticut. He lived and worked there for a while. Those bitter cold winters in the Midwest and East must have pushed his further west. He lived in Colorado, near family for a time before settling in Los Angeles, California. His younger brother, Solomon, moved to LA where he and his wife Susan started S&S Trucking. Guess who became their #1 mechanic? Yes, Chester kept those big rigs rolling. In 1993 they all relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where they continued in the trucking business. After retiring, Chester moved to Pensacola, Florida in 2003 where he resided until THE LORD called him Home on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Chester attended a Bible believing church wherever he resided. He not only tithed generously, he also contributed above and beyond to various causes and organizations within the church. Chester was a devoted member Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. He was a favorite in his Sunday school class. They loved him dearly and looked forward to hearing his infectious laughter and humorous anecdotes. Chester was also known for his stylish wardrobe. He wore the finest made suits, shirts, ties and shoes. Being so tall and slender, he looked like he belonged on the cover of GQ in his heyday. He certainly got plenty of attention from the ladies. Chester loved to work in his backyard vegetable garden. He literally spent hours preparing the soil, planting, and harvesting a huge amount of delicious vegetables, such as okra, cucumbers, tomatoes and squash, which he shared with this family and neighbors. He said many times that he loved watching his garden grow. He thank GOD for the Land, and the time and strength to do what he loved. Chester impacted many lives during his travels. He was concerned for the less fortunate, the elderly and the lonely, often quietly assisting in his own way. We may never know all the ways, but GOD does. Chester lives to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, two sisters: Marie Rideaux, who was his devoted caregiver since 2003, and Gladys Harden, two brothers: Solomon Pierce (Susan), Joe Pierce (Doratha); one daughter, Peggy Pierce: one granddaughter, Tawanna Stallworth; one sister-in-law, Victoria Pierce; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Hwy. 29 South, Cantonment, FL entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Chester James Pierce

July 24, 1933 - April 25, 2019