Gene Alden Pierce

Gene Alden Pierce was released from the bonds of Alzheimer`s on August 30, 2017 in Cumming, Ga. He was born April 26, 1930 in Goldsboro, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents Jarvis Lial and Lily Eva MacMillan Pierce, and siblings Jarvis W Pierce, Mildred Pinyan and Hilda Hearn.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Glenna Webb Pierce along with his daughters Jeanette McConchie (Earl) of Alpharetta, Georgia, Denise Pierce, Linda Stuard and Melanie McClaskie (Michael) of Richmond, Virginia and Kimberly Pierce of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Charity McConchie Ross, Andrea McConchie Lyle, Tralan McConchie, Travis and Shane McClaskie, Sebastian and Gabriella Topp and Alyx Smith; great grandchildren, Tristan Provence, Camden and Drake Lyle, Nathan and Emily McConchie.

Gene spent his early years in Franklin, Virginia where he met his future wife when they were 11 years old. He was in the Navy Reserves while attending Franklin High School where he graduated in 1947. In HS he was known for dancing the jitterbug with his sister Hilda, and he was never without a comb in his pocket. He attended Randolph-Macon College before joining the Air Force and serving from 1950-1954. He returned to RMC to complete his studies with his wife and three young daughters in tow. Pierce graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Psychology..

He began his career working at Chesapeake Pulp and Paper Mill in West Point, Virginia where he was instrumental in developing Green Life Fertilizer. While in West Point he was an active member of the First Baptist Church, the Jaycees and the Boy Scouts of America. He carried a life-long love of the BSA having been a Scoutmaster and District Commissioner. For his volunteer efforts with the BSA he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. A proud moment in his life was when his grandson, Shane McClaskie, attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

As his family grew it was time for a career change. In 1964 he began h the Medical College of Virginia (now VCU). He began working as a surgical administrator working for Dr David Hume, a pioneering transplant surgeon.. As his career progressed he became the Director of the Department of Surgery. Then, in 1975, as organ procurement progressed and outgrew MCV, he became the Executive Director of the the newly formed South-Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation (SEOPF.) SEOPF pioneered the use of a computerized network for matching organs. This network became the United Network for Organ Sharing. Which outgrew SEOPF and became its own entity with Gene as the Executive Director until his retirement in 1995.

During his time in organ procurement he was instrumental in having organ donation included on drivers license, created the 24 hour Organ Center and many other innovations. He received Honorary Doctorates from Randolph-Macon and Southern Vermont College and also received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from RMC.

Family was important to Gene and he loved playing with his grand children and great grand children, traveling the world, and enjoying his retirement. He left his grandchildren with many fond that they will always cherish.

Visitation with the family will be at Ingram Funeral Home on Sunday September 3, from 1:00-3:00 with the service to follow at 3 pm. Military burial will be on Monday, September 4, at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. at 10:30 a.m. Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Avenue in Cumming, Georgia is handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be held in Richmond, Virginia at a later date.

Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.