Louis R. Pearce, Sr., 79

Reverend Louis R. Pearce, Sr., 79, of Swainsboro, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Funeral services were held Saturday, November 2, at 11 a.m. at Hawhammock Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Family received friends Friday, November 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawhammock Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Tra Pearce, Shawn Pearce, Ryan Pearce, Dakota Pearce, Jed Collum, William Collum, Dalton Pearc, and Grady Hackle. Honorary pallbearers were the pastors and wives of Emanuel Missionary Baptist Association.

Louis was born December 21,1944, in Hawkinsville, to the late Levin Arley Pearce, Sr. and Lucy Head Pearce, and was the second of 10 children. He graduated from Perry High School in 1963 and worked at Colonial Grocery Stores until he was called into the ministry in 1972 and moved to Swainsboro. Louis served as pastor to seven churches before taking on the role of Director of Missions for Emanuel Missionary Baptist Association in 2012. He served in this role for nine years before retiring in 2021. Most recently, Louis served for a short time as interim pastor for Twin City First Baptist Church. He was a member of Morningside Baptist Church.

Louis touched many lives during his 52 years in the ministry. He loved serving the Lord and his community and was always there to lend a helping hand in whatever way was needed. Louis embodied Mathew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and seemed happiest surrounded by his family and friends. Before his illness, Louis could often be found either in his carpentry shop working on one of his many projects or in his boat enjoying one of his favorite fishing holes. He found each of those hobbies even more special when he got to share them with family and friends. Mr. Pearce is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Ann Pearce; brother, Levin Pearce, Jr.; sisters, Renee Pearce and June Pearce; and grandson, Donald Morrison.

Mr. Pearce is survived by his son, Roger Pearce (Ann) of Swainsboro; son, Robert Pearce of Milledgeville; daughter, Karen Carter (Robbie) of Swainsboro; son, John Lewis of Swainsboro; daughter, Renee Thompson (Drew) of Savannah; sister, Linda Lawhorn (Richard) of Kathleen; brother, Mike Pearce (Kim) of Lawrenceville; sister, Debra Stephens of Ft. Valley; sister, Jeri Pearce of Hawkinsville; brother, Tom Pearce (Lisa) of Byron; sister, Katherine Parker (Cecil) of Perry; sister-in-law, Betty Mills of Savannah; 16 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at Pruitt Health and PruittHealth Hospice in Swainsboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gideons International, P.O. Box 365, Swainsboro, GA 30401 in memory of Louis Pearce.

Tomlinson Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.