Franklin, Virginia – Charles Gilbert Pearce, 70, passed away July 6, 2010 at Southampton Memorial Hospital. He was born in Franklin County, NC, a son of the late Urban Turner and Pauline House Pearce and was predeceased by two brothers, Urban Lynn Pearce and Joe Pearce. He attended Franklin Baptist Church and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Castalia, NC. He was a graduate of East Carolina College. Mr. Pearce was a health and physical education teacher, head basketball coach, athletic director, and assistant principal in the Franklin School System from 1967 to 1997. He taught two years in Gaston, NC before moving to Franklin. He was a member of the Bronco Boosters Club, and in 1972, was chosen to coach the East squad in the Virginia State High School East-West Boys Basketball All-Star game.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Peggy Cash Pearce; one son, Christopher Charles Pearce and his wife, Beth Ann, of Suffolk, VA.; three grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, and Kyle Pearce; three sisters, Louise P. Jeffreys of Louisburg, NC, Carolyn P. Strange of Cary, NC, and Peggy P. Tucker of Raleigh, NC; and one brother, Bob Pearce of Raleigh, NC.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday, July 8, 2010 in the chapel of Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, VA., with the Rev. Sharon James officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. The burial will be at 11 am Friday, July 9, 2010 at Oak Level Christian Church Cemetery, Youngsville, NC with the Rev. Dr. A. Richard Childress officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Va. 23060-9979.