Virginia Beach – Gene A Pearce, 72, passed away peacefully in his home on February 21, 2019, with his wife by his side. He was born October 12, 1946, in Owosso MI, the son of Douglas E. and Alta G. (Hertzberg) Pearce.
Gene graduated from Owosso High School, Class of 1965. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy Underwater Demolition Team. Buds Training Class 43, of 1967. While in Coronado he met the love of his life, Sherrill L Johnston. He served two tours in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970, UDT-11, UDT-13. Gene served with valor and was awarded a Purple Heart for combat wounds after a Viet Cong attack on Mekong Delta. After Vietnam he married Sherrill L Johnston and they had two daughters. Gene returned to the US Navy in 1987, SEALs Team 4 Reserves and retired with 20 years of service, in 2003. Gene retired from Civilian Service in 2013 after 34 years. Positions as Police Officer GS-07, Security Specialist GS-11, Security Manager GS-12, and Safety Specialist GS-12. Gene and Sherrill celebrated 49 years of marriage, March 21, 2018.
Gene loved the outdoors and cherished time spent with his family having barbeques and swimming. Gene also enjoyed running, hunting, gardening, chess, and collecting coins.
Gene was an active member of UDT-SEAL Assn, Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, Police Assn of Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Donald Mosher and brother, David E Pearce. Surviving in addition to his wife, Sherrill L (Johnston) Pearce are his daughters Regena L Pearce-Lowe of Chesapeake and Amy L (Pearce) Austin of Virginia Beach; four granddaughters, Jordan Lowe, Madison Lowe, Cameron Lowe, Shelby Austin; one sister, Sandy (Pearce) Kubilis.
Those who wish to remember Gene in a special way may make gifts in his honor to www.navysealfoundation.org
