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Joe Lewis Pierce was born on Sept. 1, 1938 in Atmore.

He died at home in Atmore on May 8, 2023, after a prolonged illness. He was the ninth of 11 children born to Joseph Pierce and Carlee Rabb Pierce. Joe was married to Doratha Rodgers on July 12, 1963 in Finchburg.

Joe and Doratha have two children. The oldest is Rachel Meek, a lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired). Meek is married to Jay Meek. The youngest is Isaac Pierce, a lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army. Isaac is married to Christi Shelton, and they have a daughter named, Rachel.

Joe’s family of 11 children included: Madgalene (1925-2013); Zedia (1928-1981); Jim (1930-2017); Sallie Mae (1932-1933 Twin); Annie Mae (1932-1933 Twin); Chester (1933-2019); Solomon (Living); George (1937-2014); Marie (1940-2023); and Gladys (Living).

The Pierce family gratefully thanks all the hospice workers, family and friends who helped in countless ways throughout Joe’s illness.

The funeral will be handled by Petty Funeral Home in Atmore. Funeral services will be at the funeral home chapel at noon on Fri., May 19, 2023. The viewing hour will be at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Pierce, Montgomery, Rabb Cemetery on Atmosphere Road.