Paul “Pe Paw' Leroy Pierce Sr., 89, with great sadness departed this physical life on June 20, 2025, peacefully at his residence in Hemphill. Paul was born September 17, 1935, in Easterly, Robertson County, to Oscar Pierce and Helen Ramsey Pierce. He retired to Sabine County in 1995.

Paul married the love of his life, Eva Dell Colquitt Pierce on August 20, 1955 in Franklin, Robertson County, and together they shared 70 wonderful years. Paul named her “Sugar,' and to this day she still holds a poem he wrote when they first met that read,

'I think that God above created you for me to love.

He picked you out from all the rest because he knew I loved you best. I had a heart, it is true, but it has gone from me to you. Take care of it, I have love, for you have two and I have none.

We cannot change yesterday, that is clear, or begin tomorrow until it is here. So the only thing left for you and me is to make today as happy as can be.'

-written April 4, 1955, on the back of a deposit slip and tenderly held close all these years.

Paul was a devoted father of four: son; Paul Leroy Jr., daughters; Brenda Kay, Patricia Ann, and son; Terry Lynn.

During his journey in life, he worked for a gas station in Huntsville, Brown & Root, US Gypsum, Jentsch Chevrolet, Pierce Auto (owner), Quesco, Playcation Marina (co-owner), Hickham, H & M Industrial, Pendleton Harbor Water Department, and GM Water Supply.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Gunsmoke, playing online poker, and spending time with his family and friends. The family described Paul, each with a word, with a definition that only they can explain, as “ Sweetheart, God, Devoted, Stoic. Amazing, Determined, Dedicated, Honest, Hard-working, Patriarch, Precision, Sportsman, Diligent, and Steadfast.”

Paul was a Master Mason of Sexton No. 251 in Milam. Survived by his wife: Eva Dell Pierce of Hemphill, children: Paul Leroy Pierce Jr. (Paula) of Deer Park, Brenda Kay Guidry of Hemphill, Patricia Cox (John) of Pasadena, and Terry Lynn Pierce (Alicia) of Pasadena, grandchildren: Darrell Craig Pierce (Ashley) of Deer Park, Mandy Elaine Stalcup of Austin, Dwaine Paul Guidry (Brittany) of Texas City, Heather Cheyenne Pierce of Pasadena, Summer Lynn Gore (Jared) of Pasadena, and Samantha April Mims (Bradley), great-grandchildren: Peyton (Isac), Parker, Audrina, Piper, Allyson, Cameron, Hazel, Weston, Tinley, Danjer, Emma, Conrad, Addisyn, Pearl, Braxton, and Oakley, great-great-grandchildren: Violet, Ryder, and Myles, two miracles not born yet, Forest, and Brody. As well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Oscar D. Pierce and Helen Ramsey Pierce, and his only brother; Richard D. Pierce, who left this world on the same month and day as Paul in 2002.

The family will hold a private celebration of his life at a later date. Please hold the family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome. com.

Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas, is assisting the family with cremation arrangements. Paul's life and contributions will be remembered by all who knew him, and he will deeply be missed.