Joseph Benjamin Pierce, 88, of Summit, Miss., passed away at his son’s home in Ruth, Miss., on May 13, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation was Tuesday, May 17, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Hartman Funeral Home of McComb, Miss., with graveside services at the Pierce Family Cemetery on Chadell Road in Bogalusa (off Highway 21 South) on Wednesday, May 18, at 2 p.m.

Dr. David Millican will be officiating and burial will be in the Pierce Family Cemetery with full military honors.

Joseph was born July 31, 1927, in Bogalusa. He is the son of the late Cooley and Mary Lee Lumpkin Pierce.

Joseph was of the Baptist faith and retired after 20 years after obtaining the rank of chief petty officer from the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Upon his retirement from the Navy, he served in several government sponsored positions.

He was a member of the American Legion, Fleet Reserves and a Mason, having served in St. Johns and Gretna lodges. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He loved working in his yard and flower gardens. He will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Pierce; and two sisters, Bessie Ray Thompson and Emogene Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Helen Pierce; one son, James M. Coleman and wife, Dale; two brothers, Huey Long Pierce and Richard Allen Pierce; one sister, Patricia Ann Glenn; four grandchildren, Jessica Coleman, Brad Coleman, John Coleman and Melissa Coleman; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.