Billy Joe Pearce, 71, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 at The Pines, in Kirksville, MO.

The son of Charles William “Bill” & Joanne (Pope) Pearce, he was born August 1st, 1947 in Kirksville, MO. On August 1st, 1974 Billy Joe married Sherril Ann (Hocraffer) Pearce.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles William “Bill” Pearce; brothers-in-law, Loren Dale Hatfield & David West, as well as numerous beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, & friends.

Billy Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sherril Ann Pearce of Kirksville, MO; son Aaron Andrew & wife Jaylena L. Pearce with grandsons, Alexander Charles & Andrew Zane Pearce of Kirksville, MO; his mother, Joanne (Pope) Pearce of Novinger, MO; two sisters, Cena “Dottie” (Pearce) Hatfield of Kirksville, MO & Teresa (Pearce) West of Novinger, MO; mother-in-law, Virgie Hocraffer of Canton, MO; sister-in-law, Pauline (Hocraffer) Unger & husband Bill Unger of Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces & nephews, Michael Dale Hatfield & wife Charisse of Kirksville, MO, Eric W. Hatfield & wife Shannon of Kirksville, MO, Karrie A. Maag & husband Donald of Kirksville, MO, Janine R. Whitt of Novinger, MO; George Peter Foster & wife Jo of Cedar Rapids, IA, Dawn Peek & husband Josh of Cedar Rapids, IA; great nieces & nephews, Cameron Dale Hatfield, Holly Michelle Hatfield, Delaney Cena Maag, Sophia Anna Maag, Kaitlyn Grace Hatfield, Ashley Foster, Hailey Foster, Keaton Gerber, Sam Peek, & Lilly Peek. He is also survived by special friend & long-time neighbor, Dwight “Whitey” Hurley, special friend James “Doc” Gardner, Aunt Pat (Pope) Brawner, Aunt Carol (Pope) Steele, & Uncle Bill Pope of Palmyra, MO; as well as numerous other beloved friends & relatives.

Billy Joe lived most of his life in Novinger, Missouri, receiving his education at the Adair County R-I School. On Halloween night 1966, Billy Joe, alongside his classmate & long-time friend Keith Hammons, boarded a train in La Plata, MO bound for San Diego, California to join the US Navy. Billy Joe served 4 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Chemung & USS Pyro during the Vietnam War.

Billy Joe spent the majority of his career, over 31 years, with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), where he made many special friendships that continued after his retirement in 2009.

Billy Joe enjoyed spending time with friends & family, fishing, dancing at “The V” (VFW #2508), playing Bingo, drinking coffee with Jaylena, & well-intended spoiling of his grandsons, Alexander & Zane. His unconditional love will be forever remembered & greatly missed.

Public visitation will be held Sunday, June 9th, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO. Military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday following visitation.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Billy Joe may be made to the VFW #2508, 21464 Parallel Road, Kirksville, MO 63501. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.