William “Bill” R. Pierce, age 54, of Clayton, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 19, 2025. He was born in Tampa, Florida on March 18, 1971, to Robert D. and Marsha E. (Clark) Pierce. After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, Bill entered the United States Army, serving his country during Operation Desert Storm, from November of 1990 until September of 1994. Upon his return, he attended Jackson Community College, attaining an Associate of Arts degree. On November 30, 1996, he married Susan R. Vershum in Metamora, and she survives.
Bill’s family and friends were everything to him. He was always one to make people laugh and would do anything he could for anyone. Bill was a certified welder until he was diagnosed with a service-related illness that forced him into 100% disability. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, frogging, and listening to heavy metal music. When he wasn’t 4-wheeling, you could find him on his farm doing odd projects with his dogs by his side.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 30 years, Susan; son, Wesley Pierce; daughters, Abby Pierce (Wyatt Berger) and Chelsea Pierce; mother, Marsha Pierce; sister, Amanda Pierce; brothers-in-law, Lynn (Jodi) and Scott (Heather) Vershum; sister-in-law; Michele (Allan) Gladieux; nieces, Madi Vershum, Lyndsay Gladieux (Jacob Conklin), Kelsey Vershum, and Ella Pierce; and nephews, CJ Gladieux (Samantha Fernholz), Sawyer (Jaelyn) Vershum; Joey (Sydnee) Vershum, and Brady Vershum. Preceding him in death is his father, Robert “RD” Pierce; grandparents, Grace Pierce, Daniel Pierce, Roxy Hansen, Robert Clark, Harold Waterbury, and Martha Waterbury; aunts, Nancy Jordan and Ginger Maddox; and uncles, Jim Pierce, Jimmy Clark, and Danny Clark.
The family will receive visitors for a memorial visitation on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Marry Funeral Home in Morenci, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, at which time memorial services will take place. Bill’s uncle, John Maddox, will officiate.
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.marryfh.com. Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be given to Clayton Fire Department or Mott’s Children’s Hospital.