Richard "Dick" Lee Pierson, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Woodland Country Manor surrounded by his family’s love. A lifelong resident of Oxford and Talawanda Class of 1960, he was born December 16, 1941 to the late Roy and Emily (Havens) Pierson.

In September of 1960, he proudly joined the US Army, being stationed in Korea and Okinawa, Japan as a Power Generator Specialist in the 459th Signal Battalion. He was honorably discharged as Specialist Fourth Class (SP4) in May 1966. In 1966, he returned to Oxford and worked as a mechanic for a short time. He then went on to work for the City of Oxford Water Department, retiring after 27 years.

On March 5, 1967, he married his lifelong love, Dorothy Selby. They were blessed with 3 children. He was a lifelong fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals. He spent the majority of his retired years playing guitar, fishing, and watching football.

Although Dorothy was his first love, a close second was playing guitar. He wouldn’t miss a day of picking. He was in several country bands throughout the years. His love of guitar also led him to playing in the band at Harmony Living Word Assembly in Bath, Indiana for the last 12 years. He was also a member of the group who met daily at McDonald’s to “solve the world’s problems.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Emily, an infant son Rickie, and two brothers, Donald and Clifford. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy; two daughters, Kristie Pierson of Oxford, OH and Vickie (Stacey) Moore of Liberty, IN; two grandchildren, Mandie (Nate) George of Franklin, OH and Skylar Gwilt of Indianapolis, IN; two siblings, Helen Pitman of Oxford, OH and David (Crystal) Pierson of Mansfield, OH. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other family, close friends, and band members.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 29th, 2026, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 5086 College Corner Pike, Oxford, OH 45056. The funeral will follow, led by Pastor Dean VanWinkle. Burial at the Oxford Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to join for a Celebration of Life following the burial service from 2:00pm until 4:00pm, at The Junction, 33 Junction St, West College Corner, IN 47003.

Please no funeral wear; Dick would love for all to celebrate in their finest flannel or as they feel comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations in Richard’s name to Dayton Veteran Affairs Medical Center, CDCE (135), 4100 West Third St, Dayton, OH 45428 or online at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/