Harold "Floyd" Pierce, 81 of Panama City Beach, FL passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Miller Nursing Home/Hospital in Colquitt, GA after courageously battling a lengthy illness. He was born on August 11, 1933 in Bear Creek, FL to Jesse F. and Hattie M. Pierce and spent his younger years in Port St. Joe, FL where he was a member of the class of 1952 at Port St. Joe High School.

Floyd joined the Unites States Army and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring as an Airborne Ranger Instructor and a Major, USAR. He served in Japan and Germany, as well as three tours of duty in Vietnam and retired as a decorated veteran with many medals and commendations.

After the Army, Floyd traveled the world as a quality control inspector at petroleum manufacturing facilities and oil rigs. In the years immediately before his retirement, he worked with his son at Miracle Strip Welding and Marine Services.

"Pop" as he was affectionately known by family and friends loved to fish, watch college football (Go Noles) and spend time with family and friends. He loved a good joke and was always looking for an opportunity to play a trick on you.

He is survived by his wife, Marilea Pierce of Panama City and his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Terri Pierce of Panama City Beach; his grandchildren Joey (Cassie) Pierce, Betsy (Chris) Daniels and Daniel, and his great grandchildren Catalina Pierce and Mason and Grace Daniels, all of Bay County. Floyd is also survived by his brother Paul (Charlotte) Pierce of Port St. Joe, his sister-in-law Lucille Pierce of Panama City, his nephews Kenneth (Donna) Ritch of Port St. Joe and Gregg (Cathy) Pierce of Panama City, FL, along with numerous great nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pierce was predeceased by his brother Frank Pierce, his sister Evelyn Watkins and his nephew Jonathan Pierce.

Asked to serve as pallbearers are Steve Akiyama, Harvey Bane, Paul Casto, Don Houbler, John Roberson and Dan Walsh. Honorary pallbearers are the wonderful staff at Miller Nursing Home and Hospital in Colquitt, Georgia who treated Mr. Pierce with so much care and compassion during his time there.

His family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Friedman officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a contribution to a charity of your choice in memory of Mr. Pierce.