Joseph Gorrell Pierce

PIERCE WALNUT COVE Joseph “Gorrell” Pierce passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022. Gorrell, as he was famously known, was born on September 22, 1952, in Forsyth County to the late Hillary Lee Pierce and Dorothy Lee Preston. Gorrell was a tobacco farmer, as well as operating a sawmill in Belews Creek. Later in life he was employed at Modern Machine, and retired from Leinbach Machinery. From a very young age Gorrell was an avid historian, as a result from talking with the sons of Confederate Veterans and people who grew up during reconstruction. Gorrell had an iron-clad memory in regards to history, not only local, but world history. He was especially well versed in North Caroline history, the Civil War, reconstruction, and both World Wars. Later in life, Gorrell became especially interested in family lineages, tracing them back to the old world. People would often call Gorrell with questions about their own family lineage and history. Gorrell enjoyed traveling to old battlefields, graveyards, and all the vineyards that have opened over the years. Gorrell enjoyed nothing more than a yard and porch full of friends and family. Gorrell never met a stranger, and he always had time to engage in conversation. His knowledge of the old world, old stories, and old traditions will forever be missed, but never forgotten. In addition to his parents, Gorrell was preceded in death by his brothers, Roger Pierce and Michael Pierce; and his half-sister, Selena Hunt. He is survived by both of his sisters, LeighAnn (Randy) Triplette of Walnut Cove and Jennifer Shroyer of Walkertown; half-brother, Clifford Pierce of Belews Creek; half-sister, Karla Pierce of Stokesdale; nephews, Christopher Pierce of Walnut Cove, William Beasley of Tobaccoville, Eric Shroyer of Welcome; aunt, Gloria Southern of Belews Creek; “adopted son”, Jesse Byers of Midway; and his beloved dogs, Marley and Millie. Gorrell will forever live on in every pair of overalls, railroad caps, and every stars and bars that fly high on a flag pole. There will be a 5:00 pm memorial service held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Burroughs Chapel with Pastor Charlie Fried officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 4-5 pm at Burroughs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Rescue of Stokes County; P.O. Box 448, Walnut Cove, NC 27052. Online condolences may be made at www.burroughsfuneralhome.com. Burroughs Funeral Home, Walnut Cove is honored to be serving the Pierce family.

Joseph Gorrell Pierce

September 22, 1952 - August 20, 2022