of Batesville, AR
July 3, 1938 - December 2, 2023
JD Pierce, 85, of Batesville went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
He was born on July 3, 1938 in Batesville, Arkansas to John and Bertha (Stevens) Pierce.
JD was of the Baptist faith and a member of West Baptist Church. He was the owner of Ind. County Cable TV, Inc in Batesville for 47 years. JD got his start in the cable television industry when he went to work for Community Antenna/Davco Electronics in 1959. He continued working there until he started Ind. County Cable TV. JD was featured in the Cable News Magazine in 1973 for his accomplishments in the cable industry. He served as Director of the Cable TV Association in 1983 and 1984 and in 1989 he was nominated and inducted into the Cable TV Pioneer Hall of Fame. In 1998 he began adding additional services such as dial up internet, point to point wireless internet for underserved communities and later adding cable modem internet, which is now currently being switched to Fiber to the Home internet. The Cable TV and Internet Industry, playing the Stock Market and dancing with his wife were JD's favorite hobbies.
Survivors include his daughter, Tami (Gerald) Ramey of Batesville; two grandchildren, Brooke (Marty) Stevenson and Grant Bentz; three step-grandchildren, Warren Ramey, Jarrett Ramey and Carley Ramey; five great-grandchildren, Caroline Stevenson, Sofia Bentz, Cayden Hollett, Emmitt Foster and Titus Foster.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ionice Lee Pierce; his parents; one brother, Arlis Pierce; four sisters, Inez Pierce, Verna Rounds, Mary Lou Wackerly and Gladys Baker.
Pallbearers are Sonny Wilson, Shawn Drake, Ricky Wilson, Jarrett Ramey, Grant Bentz and Marty Stevenson. Honorary pallbearers will be Al Crouch, Employees of Ind. County Cable TV and his coffee drinking friends at Hawgs.
Funeral services will take place at 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Dennis Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children's Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450
Dear Family,
I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of JD. My wife, Lou Ellen Harmon Ford, (who passed in 2014), and I were good friends with JD and Ionice for many years. We worshipped together at Calvary Baptist Church and Ellen and Ionice were first cousins.
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you walk this journey of grief and loss. God Bless you and comfort you in 2024.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr. (now living with my daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta, GA. Recently celebrated my 97th birthday.)
Tami, My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and the days to follow, Sorry I couldn’t make the services today, I know your Dad and Mom are dancing the streets of Gold , what a glorious day they are having, I can just picture them together again, Love you my dear cousin, cherish your memories …
To a great boss and close friend RSIP. It was great working with you.
Prayers for the family.
Tami and family, your in our thoughts and prayers today and the days to follow. Sorry we can't be there today in person. Memories we will always hold close. Signing for Winfred and family.
Dear Tami,
Pam and I are so sorry for your loss. JD was one fine man. I will never forget all the times he and Gene would come in the store to visit Dad. We will definitely keep you and your family in our Prayers that you will find comfort during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Mike & Pam Clark
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jerry and I are so saddened to hear about your Dad. I know he and your Mom are dancing together again. J D was a really nice man. I know you will miss him dearly. Jerry and I are in NWA this week. Sending hugs.
Tami and family, we are sorry for your loss. When we lived in Batesville we got to know JD. He knew the cable business and was a hard worker.
Tami,
My heart is heavy in learning of the loss of your dad. He was always happy & had his sweet smile going. What accomplishments he made in the cable TV industry! I know he & your momma are happy together again. I pray for peace, comfort & strength for you & your family during this sad time.
In His love,
Marilyn
Tami & Brooke,
I know that JD and Ionice are dancing in heaven! I loved watching the two of them dance! I still have the baby shoes, with her name and birthdate on them, that they gave me when Emma was born. They hang on my Christmas tree every year. Love and prayers to you all!
I’m so sorry for your great loss. Losing a parent leaves a huge hole in your heart . May your memories of him keep you smiling.
My Love goes out to the family. JD helped shape the events in my life and i will always be thankful for that.
Peace.......jb
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
JD was such a kind man, whenever I would see him he would always ask about my Mamaw and how the rest of the family was. I made him many Turkey sandwiches over the years! He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Tami, I know your heart is broken and I’m so sorry. We have loved you and your parents for so many years. One of our funniest memories is when thee four of us took Two-Step lessons at the Batesville Country Club. All I’ll say is J. D. And Marcus did not behave. We love you, prayers for healing. Gigi
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We considered him and his wife good friends. I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leo and Vickey Branscum
Praying for you all! Uncle JD was truly a great man and will be missed!
Prayers for you guys during these hard times. The cable industry has lost a true pioneer. Sorry for your loss Tami.
Prayers for peace and comfort from the Lord above.
Tami , I am soooo sorry. I loved you Mom and Dad so much. Sending hugs, love, and prayers to you.
Fly to the angels JD ..Tami I'm so sorry and send my thoughts & prayers your way Love you
Tami, so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Ed and I always thought a lot of him and your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this most difficult time and the days ahead. May God give you strength, comfort and courage.
I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tami,
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Tami, so sorry about the loss of your Dad. I know he missed your Mom so much. We will keep you in our prayers that the Lord will comfort you at this difficult time.
Tami so sorry for your loss
Pa was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. Love you all and praying for your family.
Tami, so sorry for your loss. I will never forget meeting your parents when we were in 1st grade and seeing them dance around your house. It was wonderful to get to see them still dance at Brooke’s wedding too and I know that is what they are doing now in heaven! What a cool man he was with many accomplishments. Take care in the thoughts of your parents back together again.
Tami, I am so sorry about the loss of your Daddy....It is so hard to lose our parents...my prayers are with your family...
Tami and family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Tami you and your family are in my prayers. JD will be missed by all who knew him.
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for your loss. Prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.