Obituaries 17 July 2012

Dr. George Franklin Pearce

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Dr. George F. Pearce of Pensacola Beach, Fla. passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012.

He was born in New Petersburg on Nov. 27, 1925 to Jacob W. and Elizabeth Ridgeway Pearce.

He was a graduate of McClain High School and served on a Naval Destroyer in the Pacific during World War II.

A former resident of Greenfield, he was associated for many years with his familyʼs business, Pearceʼs Restaurant in Greenfield.

A career educator, he received a bachelor's degree from Wilmington College, a master's degree from The Ohio State University and his doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

He began his teaching career at Edward Lee McClain High School and retired from the University of West Florida as professor emeritus in the History Department.

Dr. Pearce is the author of two books: "The U.S. Navy in Pensacola: Sailing Ships to Naval Aviation, 1825-1930" and "Pensacola During the Civil War, A Thorn in the Side of the Confederacy."

He was also published in the Florida Historical Quarterly, the Journal of Southern History, and other publications.

He was a member of the Pensacola Running Association for over 30 years and was known to win many medals in running and power-walking competition.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Joellen McHenry Pearce; son, Steve Pearce of Greenfield; daughter, Karen Jo Cagni of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandchildren, Stephanie (Dennis) Burke of Louisville, Ky.; Carl (Brittany) Cagni of Richmond, Va.; Toni (Tim) Cassell of Richmond, Va.; and Angela (Steve) Taylor; of Clayton N.C.; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Cary and Maria Burke; Caitlin Cagni; Kyle, Lindsey and Ashley Cassell; Cy Taylor: brother, James E. Pearce; of Greenfield; sister-in-law, Donna Nickerson of Chillicothe; Charlene Kay Pearce of Greenfield and a host of nieces nephews, family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Roberta (Jack) McCray.

A “Celebration of Georgeʼs Life” will be held at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze, Fla., Thursday, July 19. Visitation will be from noon-1 p.m., with service at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the UWF Foundation/History Scholarship Endowment, 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, Fla. 32514 or go to www.UWF.edu/give.

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