TUSCALOOSA Marion Columbus "Pete" Pierson died Monday, January 19, 2009, at Hospice of West Alabama. He was born February 3, 1933, in Holt, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Burgess David "Bert" Pierson and Alma Barton Pierson, and his sister, Pansye Elizabeth Pierson Dockery (Sam), all of Tuscaloosa.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha Snider Pierson of Tuscaloosa, his daughter, Marla Pierson Lester (Matt), grandson, Maxwell, and granddaughter, Miriam, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his three sisters, Minnie Bell Mills (Norman), Mary Alma Wood (Edward), and Faye Wood (Lloyd), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many athletes, students, coaches, and friends whose lives he enriched.

Coach Pierson was a 1951 graduate of Tuscaloosa High School and a 1955 graduate of The University of Alabama. As Head Manager for the many award-winning sports teams at The University of Alabama, as an assistant and head coach of sports for Tuscaloosa High School, as a teacher, church leader, umpire, referee, sports broadcaster, and civic leader, his life continues to have a positive influence across generations and families. He retired from the Tuscaloosa City Schools as Director of Transportation. A member of First Baptist Church, he served as Life Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Director. He is a former member of the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club and the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. He received the National Exchange Club James A. Cowden Book of Golden Deeds Award in June 2008.

Visitation will be held at the Tuscaloosa First Baptist Church Chapel from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, followed by the memorial service in the First Baptist of Tuscaloosa sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Dr. Rick Lance and Rev. Tim Plant. A private family graveside service will follow with interment at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.

Pallbearers are David Barnett, A.G. Bridges, Grady Friday, Paul Nelson, Paul Morrison, Bill Lawley, Hootie Ingram, Andy Tucker, Tom Tarleton, Wayne Randall, Craig Wilson, Kirk Wood, and Trey Wood.

Honorary pallbearers are Billy and Jean Henderson, Doug and Cindy Hollyhand, Jim and Betty Shamblin, Dwight Whinery, John and Mary Alice Snider, friends in the University of Alabama Athletic Department, Tuscaloosa High School Class of 1951, all his former players, the Black Bear Breakfast Group, current and former deacons of First Baptist Church, members of the Good Samaritans Sunday School Class, Allen Watson Prayer Breakfast Group, friends at the Waysider, Wood Manor neighbors, DCH Cancer Center, doctors and staff, and special caregivers Cleo Lewis, Lucille Brown, and Minnie Pearl Ferrell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Crimson Tide Foundation for the Pete Pierson Scholarship. Funds will be used to establish a scholarship for athletic manager and trainer students in need from Tuscaloosa County. Checks may be made payable to Crimson Tide Foundation, Pete Pierson Scholarship and mailed to Ronny Robertson, Associate Athletic Director, Development, University of Alabama Athletic Department, Major Gifts, PO Box 870343, 323 Bryant Drive (205-348-9081) Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Contributions may also be made to Hospice of West Alabama or the DCH Cancer Center.

Published in Tuscaloosa News on January 20, 2009