Perry Pershing Piercy

Long time Royal Slope resident Perry Pershing Piercy passed away at age 96 on February 9, 2014. Born June 11, 1917 in Benton County, Arkansas, Perry graduated from high school in Ojai, California. He served in the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army in World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Returning home from the war, Perry completed the Goodyear Apprentice Farmer Program and was able to purchase his first 80-acre farm from Goodyear. While in this program he met and married his wife of 56 years, Vera Spencer of Kanab, Utah in the St. George Temple on May 11, 1948.

He farmed in Arizona and California, before coming to the Columbia Basin in 1957. The family joined him in 1959, arriving in the Basin to find their new home to be an army tent next to a power pole and a little domed refrigerator. Perry was an active member of the agricultural community and farmed with his sons.

Perry was a staunch Republican as well as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved good food, and was often heard to remark that it was "wholesome and good." He also enjoyed music and was often found singing or listening to various songs.

After he retired, Perry and Vera served two missions for their Church; the first to Mississippi, and the second to Missouri. These were a highlight in their life. They enjoyed meeting new friends and spending time together. Vera passed away in 2002.

Perry remarried in 2007 to Ethel Neilson of Kennewick, WA, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Perry is preceded in death by his brothers, sister and his wife, Vera Spencer. He is survived by wife, Ethel, and his children: Ron and Dorothy Piercy of Moses Lake, Lloyd and Lois Piercy of Hermiston, OR, Gary and Susan Piercy of Royal City, and Layne and Elaine Reynolds of Ephrata. His pride and joy has been in his 21 grandchildren and his 36 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the LDS Church in Royal Camp, Washington on February 22, 2014 at 10 am. Interment will be in the Royal City Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.stevensfuneralchapel.com.