Billy Pierce '51
Date of birth: September 1, 1927
Date of death: July 30, 1952
Age: 24
Lucky Bag
From the 1951 Lucky Bag:
Billy Gene Pierce
Joplin, Mississippi
The dust still hasn't settled in Joplin since this truncated terror left town for bigger fields . . . a chopped-down version of Charles Atlas, with a pleasant smile and an easy-going manner . . . managed to cudgel his way through skinny and steam, going on to bigger accomplishments on the squash courts and dance floors . . . a keen, cold mind makes him unbeatable around a card table, a spot he can often be found in when not working out on the mattress and pillow . . . a real gourmet, he knows that Mom is still the greatest little chef in captivity . . . two years in the fleet as a fire-controlman gave him experience and background for a long career . . . a great man at a party and even better in a tight spot.
He was also a member of the 6th Battalion staff and of the “House Library Committee.”
Loss
Billy died on July 30, 1952 at Pensacola, Florida; he was survived by his wife. (Information from October 1952 issue of SHIPMATE.) Presumably his loss was due to an aircraft accident… but there is no actual evidence discovered to support this.
He is buried in Missouri.
Class of 1951
Billy is one of 48 members of the Class of 1951 in Memorial Hall.
