William Franklin “Buddy” Pearce, Sr. passed away on August 13, 2026, at the age of 92 years and 10 months. He was born on September 19, 1933, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to Lonnie Ervin Pearce and Mary Jane Regan Pearce.

William was raised in and spent his entire life in St. Pauls, North Carolina, a community he proudly called home. He graduated from St. Pauls High School, where he built the foundation of a life marked by hard work, loyalty, and strong family values.

In his younger years, William also served his country in the North Carolina National Guard, an experience that reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to service.

He was a dedicated, hard-working man who spent his life providing for his family. William retired from Overnight Transportation Company after many years of faithful service. Strong-willed and determined, he took great pride in his work and in the life he built for those he loved.

William was also a faithful member of St. Pauls Methodist Church, where he found fellowship and spiritual strength throughout his life.

Above all else, William’s life centered on his family. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by them.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Green Pearce; his son, Samuel Pearce; and his granddaughter, Melissa Ratley. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie Ervin Pearce and Mary Jane Regan Pearce, and all of his siblings: Norman Pearce, Mildred Pearce, Clara Pearce, Eunice Pearce, Juanita Pearce, Doris Pearce, Alma Catherine Pearce, Lucy Evelyn Pearce, and Benny Pearce. He was the last of his siblings to pass away.

He is survived by his children, William Pearce Jr., and Deborah Pearce Ratley, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

William Pearce Jr is married to Lorie Pearce. They are the parents of Heather Pearce and Amanda Pearce Edwards. Amanda is married to Melvin Edwards Jr, and they are the parents of Ellie Edwards, Roland Edwards, and Will Edwards.

Deborah Pearce Ratley is married to Daniel Ratley. They are the parents of Ashley Ratley Fluitt and the late Melissa Ratley. Ashley is married to Patrick Fluitt, and they are the parents of Elsie Fluitt and Ethan Fluitt. The late Melissa Ratley is survived by her son, Jaxson Lee.

William lived a long and meaningful life defined by hard work, strength, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. He took great pride in providing for those he loved and found his greatest happiness in time spent with them.

He will be remembered as a strong-willed, hardworking man whose love for his family never wavered. His legacy lives on through the many generations he helped shape and the values he instilled in them.

Rest in peace, William Franklin “Buddy” Pearce, Sr. You were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed and remembered.

McNeill-Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pearce family