George Burton (Burt) Pierce, a prominent North Chattanooga engineer, surveyor and property developer for more than six decades, died Thursday in hospice care at the age of 90.
Mr. Pierce, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard in World War II, took the lead in developing Valleybrook Golf and Country Club in the early 1960s. He also designed and developed a number of Chattanooga subdivisions, including Leslie Lane and Melinda Drive. A graduate of City High School and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Mr. Pierce first attended the University of Miami, where he played on the tennis team with future professional great Pancho Segura. He later served as the Tennessee state airport engineer.
A talented golfer, artist and amateur musician, Mr. Pierce was a lifelong resident of North Chattanooga, growing up in the Hill City district, and was a longtime member of Northside Presbyterian Church. For many years Mr. Pierce owned and operated the Lincoln Apartments on High Street, where he was a notably soft touch for those in need. He truly believed that charity began at home.
Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtie Stewart Pierce; his parents, George Burton Pierce Sr. and Martha Johnson Pierce; his sister, Frances Pierce Barbre; and his daughter-in-law, Susan Woodall Pierce.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lois Alley Pierce; four children, David Burton Pierce, Ellyn Bivin, Lindy Oakes and Leslie Morris; sons-in-law Ken Bivin, Don Oakes and Roy Morris Jr.; six grandchildren, Robbie Bivin, Mamie Bivin, Brian Oakes, Elizabeth Oakes, Phil Morris and Lucy Morris; sister-in-law, Mary Stewart Gregg; numerous nieces and nephews; and rescue dog, Reagan, one of many rescue dogs that Mr. and Mrs. Pierce sheltered and loved over the years.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 20, at 3 p.m. at Northside Presbyterian Church, 923 Mississippi Avenue, with visitation to follow one hour earlier.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.
Share your memories on line at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.