Jesse Pierce's Obituary
Jesse “Whimpy” Pierce, 96, of Culpeper, passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 16, 2022.
He was preceded in death in 2015 by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruth Pierce.
He is survived by his sister, Jean Hester of Richmond; sons, Michael, Greg, and Joe; their spouses; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He will be remembered by all as a truly good man. As a teenager, Jesse played guitar in a bluegrass band called the Blue Bonnet Boys, performing at a Fredericksburg radio station and local dances. He later recalled that, while growing up in Culpeper, he and his family would listen to the “Grand Ole Opry” radio program. Jesse loved country music first and foremost, but also recalled hitchhiking with friends to attend Big Band concerts in Washington, D.C.
In 1945, Jesse was stationed in the Philippines during WW II. After the war, he met his future bride, Ruth Jenkins, when she was a clerk at JJ Newberry’s department store in Culpeper. They began exchanging love letters, and the couple married in 1949. Jesse fondly recalled dancing with Ruth at holiday parties hosted by his employer, the Rochester Corporation. He worked his way up to management at Rochester and enjoyed a long and healthy retirement with his beloved wife.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a music-related nonprofit, a Veterans’ support group, or the American Cancer Society.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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