William Pierce

William Graham Pierce September 24, 1974 – January 21, 2021 following a long fight with complications from pneumonia and with his mother by his side, William Graham Pierce breathed his last loving, calm and peaceful breath as he was ushered into the Presence of God at 1:44 a.m. January 21, 2021.

Buddy as he was lovingly known by family was born September 24, 1974, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to parents Michael O. and Charlotte “Shan” Pierce. He was welcomed home by big brother Michael S. “Butch” Pierce. Over the years, come what may, the brothers loved each other with a bond that could not be broken. Sibling rivalries left as quickly as they came.

In later years Buddy and his family moved to Watson, Louisiana, where he attended Live Oak Schools. To earn spending money he made deliveries for Marlins Pizza. Perhaps this is where his love and passion for the foodservice industry was born.

His senior year Buddy returned to Little Rock, graduated from Central High School, and continued working in foodservice where he was known as Will. Providing a professional yet personal dining experience was always his goal. Over the years he worked with some of the most renowned chefs in Little Rock and was honored to serve at Ferneau, Capital Hotel, Café D’Roma, Capeo, Brave New, Spaule, Kemuri and most recently SO Restaurant on Kavanaugh. During a brief stay in Woodville, Mississippi, in 2001, Buddy worked at The Cohen House Restaurant.

Buddy could make you laugh even when he himself was having a rough day. He loved his family, fishing, cooking, crossword puzzles, and golf. He was proud of his parents and his stepparents. Wednesday golf and lunch with his father was always a highlight, and he appreciated his science teacher step-mom “Miss Lavada”who was always available to help with schoolwork during the school years. He enjoyed discussing food preparation and recipes with his mother. Prior to his illness, Buddy was tweaking a recipe he named Shan’s Cake. He looked forward to his mother’s annual trek to Little Rock to enjoy the daffodils on Wye Mountain and her return each September to celebrate his birthday. He also loved working on cars with his stepdad David. As for brother Butch, it did not matter what they were doing: the time spent together was always cherished and priceless.

To Buddy’s many friends and colleagues, thank you for reaching out to our family with your condolences. To Reuben Clough, we are forever grateful for your friendship and kindness to our son.

Buddy is preceded in death by his grandparents Mary Joiner Boatner, Herman Populus, George W. Gardache, Sr. and Malcom G. Pierce, uncle Bill Gardache, uncle Keith Populus, and aunt Gayle Riley. He is survived by his mother Charlotte “Shan" Miller (David) of Woodville, MS, father Michael O. Pierce (Lavada) of Hot Springs Village, AR, brother Michael S. “Butch” Pierce of Anchorage, AK, grandmother, Anna P. Meaux of Hot Springs Village, AR, Mary C. Populus of Gonzales, LA, aunt Marie Pierce of North Little Rock, AR, nephews Mason and Max Pierce, a host of aunts and uncles from the Miller family, the Populus family and numerous cousins and dear friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to www.ArkansasCremation.com.

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