David Wayne Pierce

David Wayne Pierce, 84, of Ontario, California, passed away, Tuesday, December 7, 2021. David was born to Grady Pierce and Mary Alta Hice in Hopewell, Arkansas, on April 13, 1937. He lived in Arkansas until the age of five, when he moved to Covina, California. He graduated from Baldwin Park High School where he played baseball and basketball. After high school, he was scouted by UCLA legendary basketball coach John Wooden; however, he wasn’t recruited due to academics. David then attended Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California, to boost his GPA while continuing to play basketball. This ultimately led to being recruited on a full ride athletic scholarship for his talent in basketball at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. At Baylor, David was given the chance to excel in athletics, and he credited Baylor with giving him the opportunity to play a game he adored, which led to a job that he loved. He ultimately received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, with a minor in History, from Baylor University. Sic ‘em, Bears!

After graduating from Baylor University, David was drafted, and he served his country as an expert marksman in the United States Army, and then served in the United States National Guard. After his discharge from the military, David worked for the United States Postal Service before pursuing a career in education. David worked as a Physical Education teacher, Social Studies teacher, and Coach in the El Monte City School District. He taught at Potrero School for five years, before moving to Columbia School where he taught for 32 years. David was passionate about education and the ability it has to transform your life. He loved his students and always said he was the luckiest man to have a job that was fun and that he enjoyed.
In 1979, David married Frances Faye Hester. They bought a home and settled down in Ontario, California, living there for over 40 years. David and Frances were a couple for 55 years. Together they raised four incredible children: Greggory Wayne, Lara Alta, Kristin Amy and Erin Faye. David was preceded in death by his son Greggory Wayne. David is survived by his wife Frances, Greggory’s wife Gena and their daughters Denise Thompson (Chase) and great-granddaughter Brynlee, & Lisa Piper (Harlan), daughter Lara Alta Smith (Greig) and grandson Clayton, daughter Kristin Amy Meadow (Michael), and daughter Erin Faye Schlanger (Thomas) and grandchildren Noah, Charlotte and Natalie.
David loved the Lord Jesus Christ and had a real and lasting relationship with his Savior. He was a member of several churches over his life, and served the Lord and congregations as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and member of the choir at South Euclid Baptist and 11th Street Baptist Churches. David was passionate about supporting the work of missionaries, especially raising donations for international missionaries through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering every year.
The loss of David, and his humor, intelligence, and love, will be greatly felt by those who loved him. And as he would say it, “If no one has told you today, remember that your Mama loves you, Jesus loves you, and D.W. loves you!”
David will be laid to rest in a private family burial, Monday, January 3, 2022 in Old Baptist Cemetery in Russellville, under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral. In lieu of flowers, the Pierce Family kindly request that you please make a charitable donation to one of David’s favorite organizations, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions or Smile Train, an organization which provides free corrective cleft surgery in 87 countries, training local doctors and providing hospital funding for the procedures.

Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.