Ernest Metz Pierce passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday morning with his family by his side. Ernie was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on February 9, 1936 to Ernest Charles and Mattie Pearl (Brooks) Pierce. He was the second oldest of 16 children.

"Sonny", as he was affectionately known, grew up and attended Bridgeton Public Schools. In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean

War until he was honorably discharged in 1956. After his discharge from the service, he met and fell in love with a young lady from the Halfway House named Lauretta Jones. On August 3, 1957, he took Lauretta to be his beloved wife. August 2019 Ernest and Lauretta celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Ernie was a hardworking man, he loved working on anything (cars, lawn mowers, CB's, and the list goes on. Whatever he was presented with he was Mr. Fix It !

He worked for several trucking companies: Liberty Transfer, Kowalsky's, Clevepack, and Roadway. Lastly Roadway. He traveled to many cities and states. His final experiences as a truck driver was pulling double trailers to Harrisburg, PA until retirement in 1998.

Ernie enjoyed boating and family time. His family spent many times traveling to visit family and friends. On one special occasion he attended Mt. Vernon Holy Church. After hearing Elder Maire Caldwell preach, he became convicted and gave his life to the Lord. He enjoyed serving at the church and participating in whatever his hands could do to help.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, and their children, Lauretta Pierce, Patricia (Ronald) Wallace, Ernest (Claverne) Pierce Jr., Karen (Vincent) Street, and Layton (Shirlene) Pierce. His siblings: Florine Jones, Violeta (Bobby) Rhea, Carolyn (Cortney) Waters, Carlos (David) Morrissey, Ernestine Rios, Virginia (Lawrence) Brown, Wayman (Gwen) Pierce, Harold (Davida) Pierce, and Anthony (Jeanette) Pierce, and a brother-in-law, Layton Jones. A host of grands and great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and spiritual children Michael Wiggins and Valerie Busby, a host of nieces, nephew, family and friends.

Ernest was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Mattie Pierce, a son, four sisters, Anna, Mary Lousie, Joyce, Florence and two brothers Charles and Edwin Pierce.

Ernest will truly be missed by all. We thank God for all he has done and count it all joy for the time God has given us with of our hero.