William David "Dave" Pierce

William David (Dave) Pierce of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away on April 11, 2025, after a long and courageous struggle with esophageal cancer. Born in Paintsville, KY on July 9th, 1955, Dave grew up in Battle Creek, MI, graduating from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1973. 

Upon graduation, Dave was awarded a coveted co-op scholarship from the Kellogg Company, and he attended Purdue University, earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his Kelloggs’s co-op sessions back in Battle Creek, he filled his weekends working at several local restaurants as a busboy, bartender, and waiter. While working at Win Schuler’s in Marshall, MI, he became a competent bartender and waiter, but more importantly he met his future wife Nancy Craft, who finally fell for him after he stopped his childish dining room pranks and took the waiter job seriously.

After college, Dave worked in industrial sales for Ingersoll-Rand in Michigan and Ohio, and later accepted a move to Kansas City, Missouri, but not before asking Nancy to marry him. They were married on January 23, 1981.

As Dave’s career at Ingersoll-Rand continued to flourish, new assignments brought them to Tulsa, OK, Paducah, KY and in 1989, to Manchester, England where he led the company's European marketing efforts. Their time in Manchester provided Nancy the opportunity to travel with him to all the major European capitals where they immersed themselves in all the history, culture and the outstanding food and wine that Europe had to offer. They were also fortunate to visit his mother’s family in Germany, who welcomed them into their home for joyous Christmas celebrations every year, creating some of their most fond memories.

After five years in England, Dave was recruited to run the European welding business for Illinois Tool Works (ITW). Upon returning to the US as the VP of International, Dave and Nancy lived near Appleton WI, welcoming Winston, a Bernese Mountain Dog, who provided much comfort and companionship to Nancy during Dave’s travels.

After a successful run with ITW, Dave was appointed president of Tipper Tie, Inc., a division of Dover Corporation, in Apex NC. The job required one last move to North Carolina. He built a wonderful and successful team at Tipper Tie and remained a mentor and friend to many of them throughout his life.

In retirement, Dave and Nancy split their time between their homes in Chapel Hill and Wrightsville Beach, NC. Dave remained physically fit and active, even after his health began to decline. He enjoyed running, biking, swimming, and beach walks with Nancy, along with good food and wine, and many, many times overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his brothers Robert (Tracey) Pierce, Greg (Betty) Pierce, sister Jane Pierce (Gloria Parker), brothers and sisters-in-law Peggy Jackson, Roger (Delores) Schwartz, Gail (Ray) Morgan, nieces and nephews Jackson (Lindsay) Pierce, Charlotte Pierce, Tiffany (Matthew) Teague, Jeff Jackson, Abigail (Mitchell) Kinkella, Ethan Schwartz and Nathanial Schwartz, great nephews Chris and Brad Morgan, Ian Bartlett, and Latham Teague. He was honored to be involved in the lives of his many nieces/nephews and helping them when called upon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Jack Pierce.

Dave wished to express his gratitude and love to all the people, too numerous to mention, for their influence on his life and wishes only the best for his many family and friends, and hope they have a similarly full life!

In accordance with his wishes, no public services will be held. For those who wish to honor his memory, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 are appreciated.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Pierce family.