Gary Pierce

Gary Lynn Pierce, 83, of Valdosta, died on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born on April 20, 1940, in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Clifford and Vivian Moore Pierce Benson. Gary was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam era and was a retired tennis pro with 36 years membership in the United States Professional Tennis Association. He was a member of the American Legion Post 218 in Hahira and a member of 1st Baptist Church of Valdosta. Gary was honored by his high school in Battle Creek Michigan (Battle Creek Central High) by being inducted into its Hall of Fame for his outstanding performances and service in the field of tennis and for his volunteer work with United States veterans and within his community of Midland, Texas. His talent in tennis led him to coach in several states around the country as well as coaching many nationally ranked players during his tenure. Gary was honored with a mayoral proclamation from Midland, Texas of Gary L Pierce Day in 2003 before he moved with his family to Valdosta.

Gary is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen Lyons Pierce of Valdosta; two daughters and a son-in-law, Kimberly and Josh Lynne of Long Beach, California, and Lauren Pierce and her fiancé, Taran Alderman; his son and daughter-in-law, Johnathan and Katie Pierce of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Luke Lynne and Romy Lynne, Ava Pierce, Charleigh Pierce, and Evelyn Pierce; a nephew and his spouse, Mike and Deana Preece; a niece and her husband, Marla and Dirk Welte. He was preceded in death by a sister, Gayle Preece, and a brother, Dick Pierce.

A memorial service for Gary Lynn Pierce will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Massie officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to American Legion Charities (Operation Comfort Warriors), www.legion.org/donate, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org/donate, and the Crescent in Valdosta, www.thecrescentvaldosta.com. 

Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.