Robert Lester Pierce

CMSGT (Ret.) Robert Lester “Bob” Pierce

CMSGT (Ret.) Robert Lester “Bob” Pierce, age 74, of Shalimar FL, passed away on March 15, 2020 at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. 

Bob was born in Wilmington, NC on October 5, 1945.  He graduated from Havelock High School, Havelock, NC.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 3, 1965 and proudly served his country in numerous locations throughout his 26-year career including; Tyndall AFB, FL; DaNang Air Base, Vietnam; Maxwell AFB, AL; McCoy AFB, FL; Sembach AB, Germany; Hahn AB, Germany;  Holloman AFB, NM; Myrtle Beach, SC; Rhein-Main AB, Germany; Incirlik AB, Turkey and Eglin AFB, FL.  In 1991, he retired as Chief Master Sergeant at Eglin AFB, FL.  CMSGT Pierce received several military awards and decorations including “Best Tactical Air Command in 1979”, “Outstanding Transportation Senior Noncommissioned Officer in AFSC for 1988” and his branch was awarded “Best in AFSC for 1988”, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal, both with three oak leaf clusters.   

After his retirement from the Air Force he continued his educational studies and graduated from Troy State in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Resource Management and in 1998 a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. 

In 1995, Bob began his next career in Acquisition Security for the 53rd Wing and the Air Product Directorate at Eglin AFB, FL.  After 17 years, he retired from Civil Service in April 2012.

Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father, and a friend to many.  He will truly be missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Christine; his daughter Tracey; his son and daughter-in-law James and Jeannie as well as his two fur babies (dogs) Logan and Lexi. 

He had a great sense of humor and always knew how to make people laugh.  He was an avid golfer and spent much of his retirement on the golf course and enjoyed the 19th hole with his buddies.  He also enjoyed casino’s and going on cruises with his wife.  He was an active member of Bob Hope Catholic Church.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with full military honors at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends one hour prior.

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