Obituary
Joseph Lovell Pierce

Joseph Lovell Pierce, affectionately known as Joey, was born on September 14, 1964, in Fairfax, Virginia, to Katherine Butler and Joseph Robert Pierce. He spent the majority of his childhood in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where the foundation of his adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for friendship, music, and connection began. Joey enjoyed playing basketball and baseball in his earlier years, and went on to play varsity football for the Mount Airy Bears during high school. In April of this year, Joey and Lisa attended his high school reunion, where he had the opportunity to reconnect with several friends and relive cherished memories from those years.

In the mid 80’s, Joey moved to the Raleigh area, where he entered a defining chapter of his life. Surrounded by a wide and devoted group of friends, he embraced the joy of travel, music festivals, and concerts - most notably his lifelong love of the Grateful Dead, whom he saw live 147 times. For Joey, music was not just something to listen to; it was an experience meant to be shared, traveled for, and lived fully.

Joey’s next chapter brought him to one of his true passions: water treatment. He dedicated more than 25 years working with Triangle Water Services/Culligan. Though his title was salesman, Joey approached his work as an educator. He cared deeply about helping people understand how their systems worked and how to achieve clean, safe water for their families. To him, knowledge and trust mattered far more than closing a sale—and his customers felt that sincerity every step of the way.

On May 25, 2017, Joey met the love of his life, Lisa, and from that moment forward, his world expanded in the most meaningful way. Their connection was instant—an emotional and mental bond that only deepened with time. Their days were filled with laughter, long hugs, and frequent pauses to appreciate the beauty in the world they shared. In the time they had together, Joey and Lisa lived a lifetime—rich with adventure, love, games, shenanigans, music, and travel. One of their favorite places to escape was the mountains of Fancy Gap, Virginia—a cherished place where they spent holidays with family and quietly slipped away when they wanted time alone. There, they would rock on the porch, talk about the future, and simply be together, soaking in the peace and love.

Joey’s heart only grew larger when he met Emily and Megan, whom he bonded with immediately. He became their dad organically and wholeheartedly, loving them from the very start. He was a calming presence in their lives, especially during difficult moments, and the first person they called when they found themselves in a predicament. His steady guidance, compassion, and unwavering support shaped their lives in ways that will never be forgotten.

Joey’s other great loves were his pups. Ninety percent of the photos on his phone were of Cassidy and Bella. In his mind, they never had enough toys, and he made sure they never ran out of treats. Joey proudly shared pictures of them with customers, friends, and even strangers waiting in line at stores—never missing an opportunity to show off the joy they brought him. Completing the family was Henry, Joey’s cat, who seamlessly found his place alongside the pups.

Joey will be remembered for his gentle soul, adventurous heart, and the deep comfort he provided to everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the music he followed, the water he helped make safe for others, and the family—two-legged and four-legged—who meant everything to him.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Butler and Joseph Robert Pierce; his sister and brother‑in‑law, Patti and Carl Shermat; his nephew, Michael Shermat; nephew Brian Hardman and many other beloved family members and close friends who were an important part of his life.

Joey is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Pierce, and their daughters, Emily Larson and Megan Larson. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Bredon (Jim); his cousin, Kathy Daniels; and his uncle, Jimmy Hampton, along with his aunt and uncle, Mable and Phil Bailey. Joey is further survived by his nieces, Michelle Gibson (Archie) and Mary Martin (Eric), and by his great‑niece, Ellie, and great‑nephews, Garret Martin and Gavin Martin.

A Celebration of Life honoring Joey’s life, love, and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 23rd at 11:00 am at the Fuquay Arts Center, located at 123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay‑Varina, North Carolina. Friends, family, and all whose lives Joey touched are warmly invited to gather in remembrance—to share stories, laughter, music, and the spirit of togetherness that Joey embodied so completely.

Joey loved tie‑dye and anything colorful. In honor of his vibrant spirit, this will be a casual celebration—guests are encouraged to wear their favorite tie‑dye or something bright and cheerful. There will also be an opportunity to take home one of Joey’s favorite tie‑dye pieces as a small remembrance.