of Mountain Home, AR
May 15, 1935 - December 4, 2016
Ronald E. (Ron) Pierce, 81, of Mountain Home passed away December 4, 2016. He was born to Haskell Howard and Agnes Irene (Elgin) Pierce on May 15, 1935 in Nowata, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jan Pierce. Also 3 children and spouses, Rick Pierce (Linda), Holly Scott (Keith), and Dee Ezell (Dr. Scott). From this there are 8 grandchildren, Taylor Scott, Cole Ezell (Sally), Ryan Scott, Ryder Pierce (Dana), Jordan Carlisle (Austin), Aaron Scott, Aaron Cochran and Dylan Pierce. And 4 great grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Emmett and Noah. Also adopted son Lang Quang Phuc (Phuong), and children John, Aimee, Stacy and Loc, and from them 13 great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister Donna Sue Hendricks (Benny) and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ron was a member of First Baptist Church Mountain Home, Arkansas. His loves and hobbies were family, fishing, flying, baseball, public service and the outdoors. Ron became a pilot in the late 1950's owning originally an Aeronica Chief, and many more to follow. Hobbies included in life order: baseball, woodworking, archery, flying, golf, fishing, and the outdoors. He was a champion archer and noted recurve specialist in the 1950's, manufacturing many bows and arrows.
His baseball love was fed by the NE Oklahoma tradition of his friends, roommates and legends. Lettering in college baseball with the Oklahoma Aggies (OSU), he also played in many leagues including regional ball for the Phillips 66'ers.
Ron's true career began as a Plastics Engineer at Phillips 66 Petroleum Company in Research and Development, opening their first PVC production plant in the United States as Production Manager. This brought Ron and family to the Mountain Home area with Baxter Travenol Laboratories, drawn to its pristine beauty and the lure of Lake Norfork when crossing the 62 ferry. From there, on to ownership of the Dutchman Drive In restaurant from '69 to '73, from founders Bill and Mary Dean. During his life he constructed 10 homes, many for family, including their own homes from 1962 through 2004.
His love of boats began in high school where he started building kit boats in shop class. From there to fishing through Jan's father and on to begin Bass Cat Boats in 1971, along with Jan. Adding to their Bass Cat family, in December of 2011, they acquired Yar-Craft Boats.
Public Service began as Mayor of Mountain Home from 1976 1985. Ron served on the Baxter County Airport Commission as Chairman. He then served a seven (7) year term as an Arkansas Game & Fish Commissioner (Huckabee appointee), serving as Chairman his final year. He worked diligently for the citizens and outdoors to oppose special interest.
Bass fishing was more than a career, as he also enjoyed the sport. Over the years he competed in hundreds of tournaments, including approximately 100 Bassmaster events all across the USA. In the late 80's Ron began visiting Lake Fork and they built a second home where he and Jan have many friends. From coast to coast they are blessed with many friends and acquaintances, including the Bass Cat and Yar-Craft families.
He leaves this world a better place and that was his hope in life. Accomplishments he was most proud of, beyond those of their business(s) were: the 1 cent MH Sales Tax which was restricted and allocated to construction of the present MH swimming pool, anchoring both the MH Street and Water & Sewer Departments, Cooper Park, Baxter County Regional Airport Terminal, AGFC vs. USACE Black River Supreme Court ruling. During his lifetime he was fortunate to have known many company, civil, and state employees. People meant a lot to him.
A Memorial Service will be Sunday, December 11th, 3:00PM at First Baptist Church, 400 Club Boulevard, Mountain Home, AR with Pastor Dr. Tad Rogers officiating. The family will be visiting with friends beginning at 2:00PM prior to the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Preschool/Childrens Development or Youth Dept. Construction Projects, Arkansas Game and Fish Youth Programs and Scholarships, St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.
Holly...so sorry for the loss of your dad. Cherish your memories....
So sorry to hear about this. Mayor Pierce was a fine public servant and businessman. He also raised three wonderful children. I knew Holly and Dee the most, since they were closest to my age. They were extremely smart, musical and athletic girls. My prayers to you and your family. Hopefully, as your sorrow fades, you will be comforted by your wonderful memories. God bless you all.
Jan and Family,
Deepest Condolenced to you all for the loss of Ron. He was a great guy, and you all are wonderful neighbors. I'm just up the hill, if there is anything I can do for you.
Sorry he is in adequate but we are all comforted that God is in charge. I'll pray for the family that they are comforted that Mr. Peirce is talking with God today
Dee Ezell, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, my dad and my grandpa said that your dad was a reputable public servant, a selfless husband and father, and a true servant of the Lord. I know you are busy but if you would ever want to call me my number is 870-321-2910. The reason why I am not at the visitation is that my husband is sick and cannot take me. I just had to say something on the guest book because we spent 12 years in school together. I just could not pass it up. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love and hugs, Missy.
Ron and Jan have always been gracious to me when I had contact with them and he will be missed by many in this community.
Best wishes to Ron's family in a difficult time.
Larry Walters
NAFF sent a prayer during the Xmas party last night.
On behalf of EZ Loader Boat Trailers and its staff, we send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends. As a neighbor in the Industrial park and as friends, we will all miss his contributions to Mountain Home and the Boating Industry.
Ron was such a Positive Force in so many areas and his leadership will be missed.
My sincere condolences Holly Scott and the Pierce family.
God Bless and Keep You All at this sad time.
I am very sorry for loss. I pray God will give all of you the strength to hold up under the grief you are going through. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Chris
Our family is praying for your family.
Jan, Rick and Family:
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, great grandfather, and wonderful man.
We are truly blessed to have known such a gracious man. Our love and prayers are with you all, always.
So sorry for your loss Jan. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
my condolences to the Pierce family may god be with you during this time
Rick and family. My sympathy goes out for you. I have been thru this four times now for my parents and my wife's parents. Doesn't get any easier either. Only good thing I can think of here is that those of us that eventually reach heaven now have a good chance of having bass cat boats available to us for eternal fishing.
Hang tough. You won't ever get over this, but you can certainly cope with enough friends around.
Ronnie, Ray and Ryan send their prayers at this time. We have many fond memories of Ron and family. You are in our thoughts.
My dad and mother thought the world of your family.
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Pierce was a wonderful man. he will be greatly missed by many. Prayers to the family.
It was my pleasure to work for Mayor Ron for most of his years of service as Mayor of Mountain Home. Mayor Ron did so much during those years for the City, and it was an honor for me to be able to serve as his consultant for the significant water and wastewater improvement projects accomplished during that time. He was a good guy, and had a great sense of humor. One evening we were eating at a buffet, and knowing I was sort of sissy on eating hot foods, he popped a pepper in his mouth, seemed to enjoy it so much, and suggested I try one. So I did. After the feeling came back in my mouth, I managed to tell him that was a little too hot for me. He laughed until tears ran down his cheeks!!!
Jan & Family, We are so sad for you but what a wonderful life you two have had! May God comfort your pain and heal you with the beautiful memories that you have.
God bless,
Jimmy & Chris
Our thoughts and prayers to the Pierce family, God Bless you.
are prayers are with you god bless
Our thoughts and prayers are will all the family. May GOD Bless.