Earl Eugene Pierce was born on September 6, 1938, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was one of six siblings born to Charlie and Laura Bell Pierce.

Earl attended Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg. During his time at Gibbs, Earl played baseball and football and was an outstanding player on both teams. He played fullback on the football team and was the fastest player on the Gibbs team. His team was undefeated for two consecutive years. Earl excelled in baseball as well. He was noticed by a scout from the Boston Red Sox and was drafted to play on the team. He attended their training camp in Arizona but was later cut from the team for reasons beyond his control.

Earl left Florida and moved to Cincinnati in 1974. He lived with his brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Bernice, until he got established. Shortly after arriving, Bobby gave him a job at his auto body shop for many years, where he quickly learned the trade.  Earl later began working at the University of Cincinnati in the Administrative Services Division. He worked there for twenty-one years before retiring. During his employment at UC, Earl was never late and only missed one day of work in his twenty-one years. For this remarkable achievement, Earl received a plaque from the University recognizing his dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to his job.

Earl was affectionately known as "Dooley," a nickname given to him by his mother and sister. When anyone asked Dooley how he was doing, he would always reply, "I am still answering the bell."

Earl loved seafood. He and Bobby frequently went to Tampa Bay and Snell Island to catch crabs. They made a seafood casserole called Crab Shalah. Only he and Bobby knew the secret ingredients in this popular dish. Earl loved playing cards and was always ready to play a round of Bid Whist with anyone. Another hobby of Earl's was selling odds and ends at the flea market in the East End. He always said, "One person's junk could be another person's treasure."  Earl became acquainted with many of the vendors during his years at the flea market.

Earl loved to talk about the Bible and had many discussions with Bobby about bible stories. Earl was not a member of a church, but he always said he wanted to be baptized. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he was baptized in 2021 by Rev. Anthony Gaines, Pastor of the United Community Christian Church in Covington, Kentucky. Earl fulfilled the appointed amount of time that God commanded for his life. He has now answered his heavenly bell.

Earl leaves to mourn his passing, special friends Carmella Wilson and Gloria Young. He was preceded in death by three brothers, John (JR) Pierce, James Pierce, Tyrone Pierce, and one sister, Dorothy Jean Williams. Earl is survived by his last remaining brother, Bobby (Robert Pierce, Sr.). Although Earl never married and had no children, he loved being around his nephews and nieces. He leaves them and a host of loving relatives who will cherish his memory.

Earl answered the Heavenly Bell on November 15, 2025.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, 7717 Harrison Avenue, Mt. Healthy  (45231).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy, Ohio 45231.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Pierce family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Pierce family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.