Jack Pierce, Sr. departed this life on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at his home. Jack was born on December 24, 1929, to Albert and Lena Pierce in Old Kingsport, Tennessee.

Jack was a graduate of Douglas High School. He then went on to work at Eastman Chemical Company for 39 years, where he served as the first black foreman. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and was part of the Usher Board.

Jack had a heart for others, spending much of his time gardening, in the community, and volunteering. He was a member of Riverview Catch the Vision Strategic Planning Team, South Central Community Development Board, Weed & Seed Board, founding member of the Fredrick Douglass Cultural Arts Museum of Kingsport, Bays Mountain Historical Committee, Board of Directors of UETHDA and Head Start Policy Council, and served with the Holston Habitat for Humanity. Jack was kind-hearted and never met a stranger.

Jack would often say, "I'm kicking, but not too high," and "Pretty good shape for the shape I'm in. He always referred to your drink, no matter what it was, as a "50 cent shot." Jack's warm heart and gentle spirit will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Betsy Ann Pierce; son, Jack Pierce, Jr.; sons-in-law, B.C. Camp and Mickey Rogers; parents, Albert and Lena Pierce; grandparents, Jerome and Alice Pierce; and 12 brothers and sisters.

To cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, Jack leaves behind his children, Veronica Camp of Kingsport, Garfield (Becky) Pierce of Bristol, Sandra (Paul) Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, Lena Rogers of Kingsport, Alan (Wanda) Pierce of Atlanta, Georgia, and Veronica (Filo) Martinez of Nashville, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Sandra Pierce; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren; a cousin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.