James Clifton “Sonny” Pearce, 81, passed away Saturday April 19, 2014, at North Mississippi Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born July 13, 1932, in Itawamba County to Nettie Jane Pearce. He was a graduate of Itawamba High School. He served in the U.S. Army before marrying the love of his life, Doris Evelyn Young of Tremont, MS. Sonny was also a member of the Center Star Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He then worked many years at Daybrite Lighting, before owning his own businesses: Sonny’s Drive In, Sonny’s Little Star, Mantachie Hardware, and Mantachie Farm Supply. He also worked for Cook-Coggins and Cook Construction Company. He worked for the Corps of Engineers before retiring. After his retirement, Sonny was caretaker for the Center Star Cemetery for many years. He also served on the board of directors for Tombigbee Electric Power Association and Bank of Mississippi. He was a member of Mantachie First Baptist Church.
Sonny loved his family and spending time with all. He was a loving caregiver to his mother and his wife before their passing. He enjoyed loafing up Mantachie with his buddies at the Post Office, Bank, Pharmacy, and the McFerrin gin office. He also spent time playing dominoes at the Town Hall. He was a prankster and had a contagious smile. He never met a stranger. Sonny loved playing yahtzee and card games with his family.
He is survived by his four children, Lisa White (Jerry), Tim Pearce, Dave Pearce, Desha Miller (Jeff) all of Mantachie; thirteen grandchildren, Susan White, Heather Lucas (Josh), Amanda Bridges (Jason), Jared White (Joy), Justin White (Jessica), Emilee Kennedy (Brandon), Matthew Driskill, Matt Pearce, Brandon Miller, Landon Miller, Lauren Pearce, Brayden Tolleson, and Blake Tolleson; and eight great grandchildren, Paige Smith, Chelsea Smith, Jase White, Lana White, Riley Bridges, Jenna White, Ava White and Darcy Bridges.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Doris Evelyn Young Pearce and his mother, Nettie Jane Pearce.
Services will be held at Mantachie First Baptist Church at 2p.m. Tuesday with Bro. Howard Pearce, Bro. Ronnie Goodwin, and Dr. John Adams officiating. Burial will be in the Center Star Cemetery in Mantachie. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home of Mantachie is in charge of the arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Randy Lindsey, Rocky Lindsey, Lyndon Lollar, Donnie Jones, Terry Jones, Ricky Windham, Randy McFerrin, and Rickie McMillen. Honorary pallbearers will be Dare Cooley, Loyce McMillen, Joe Mears, and Castor Buse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Center Star Cemetery Fund.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at the church, and from 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church.
