David Elbert Pierce

David was born February 4, 1935 in Gladewater, Texas to Marvin and Eunice Childs Pierce. In 1952, he moved with his parents to Alpine, Texas where he completed high school. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his engineering career building roadways for Texas Highway Department. He then continued his career as a Project and Operations Manager for Johnson Controls, Inc. where he was responsible for designing and building complex automation control systems and he was employed for 30+ years until his retirement in 1997. He married Claudia Randall Pierce in 1962 and together they raised their son, Drew, and daughter, Jennifer. After his divorce, he met his life partner, Helen Copley. He would lovingly refer to himself and Helen as “the Redneck and the Lady”.

David was known as a genuine and caring man. He was actively involved in coaching youth sports while raising his children. He was instrumental in founding and supporting AA chapters in Dallas and ended his life with 47 years sobriety. He was an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys and UT Longhorns fan. He was especially proud that his grandson, Andrew, was also a graduate of his alma mater, University of Texas at Austin. During David’s distinguished career, he mentored his team, many who would later credit him for success in their own careers. And he loved to fish! His career would take him to many parts of the country, where he always managed to find a nearby lake to wet a hook. After his retirement he moved to his lake house on Lake Cypress Springs, Texas where he spent much time.

David is preceded in death by his father, Marvin, mother, Eunice, sister, Idalia, and the mother of his children, Claudia Pierce. He is survived by a son, Drew Pierce and fiancé Cindy Wylie; a daughter, Jennifer Zarate and husband Eric; one grandson, Andrew Austin Hunter Pierce; one granddaughter, Abby Zarate; and his partner, Helen Copley and her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas.