June 2014
Martin W. Pierce Sr., L57064, husband of former FMCA national president Dottie Pierce, died March 24, 2014, at his home in Florida. He was 89.
Martin was preceded in death by Dottie, who died in September 2007 at the age of 79. Dottie was the first woman to serve as FMCA president and held the office for three one-year terms, from 1995 to 1998.
Martin and Dottie were married for 61 years. They first met in grade school and were married in 1946. The couple lived in Wilmington, Delaware, until 1956, when it was suggested that a move to Florida would help improve the health of their son, Martin Jr., who had asthma. Eventually the couple had three children: Martin Jr., Joy, and Tammi.
The Pierces joined FMCA in 1984 and became active in various Southeast Area chapters. For several years, Martin was president of the Central Florida Roadrunners chapter, with Dottie serving as the chapter’s national director. The couple also founded the Sandpipers chapter in 1994.
Martin was a construction superintendent for many landmarks in the St. Petersburg, Florida, area, including Busch Gardens and the St. Petersburg Bayfront Center Arena. For many years he owned and operated Pierce Construction Supplies.
Martin leaves behind his three children and their spouses, as well as three sisters, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, plus nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF, 26 Broadway, New York, NY 10004; www.jdrf.org), or the Suncoast Hospice Foundation (5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760; thesuncoasthospice.org).