Frank Kelley Pierce, Jr., age 77 of Smithland, Kentucky, passed away at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois on April 9, 2026. Born on May 15, 1948 in Paducah, Kentucky. Frank Jr. was the son of Frank Kelley Pierce and Mary Jane Pierce of Paducah, Kentucky.

Frank Jr. graduated from Lone Oak High School. Later he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps. There, he was a member of a Helicopter Medivac Unit where he completed 120 combat missions, where he received several medals. Frank was proud to be a Marine. After his military service he worked as a bricklayer. This talent received attention as his work was published in several publications in North Carolina. His hobby was carving items from old bricks, where he turned discarded bricks into works of art.

Frank Jr. is survived by his two sons, Jon Pierce and Doyan Pierce (Jessica) all of Jacksonville, NC; a grandson, Doyan Pierce Jr. of Jacksonville, NC; brother, Robert Pierce (Paula) of Paducah, KY; sister, Regina Pearson (John) of Paducah, KY; several nieces and nephews.

Frank Jr. was preceded in death by three sisters, Onetia Jacobs, Mary Ann Pierce, and Betty Jones; nephew, Kevin Jacobs; and beloved uncle, William E. Pierce all of Paducah, KY.

There will not be any services locally. There will be a Military Honors Ceremony in Jacksonville, NC at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com