Timmonsville - John Walter "J.W." Pierce, Jr., 90, passed from this life on February 2, 2016 following a strong fight with chronic illnesses.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Peniel Baptist Church, Timmonsville. The interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, Florence.

Born at his ancestral home in Timmonsville, SC, Mr. Pierce was the son of the late John "Walter" Pierce Sr. and Isla McKay Pierce. He served his country during WWII in the US Navy. He was a faithful member of Peniel Baptist Church where he had served in many capacities including chairman of deacons. He was also a member of Benton Masonic Lodge No. 26 and the American Legion. Mr. Pierce was an independent insurance agent for many years specializing in crop insurance. He was a lifelong farmer growing his last crop in 2015. But his greatest pursuit was the owning, driving, and training of harness racing horses, which he drove in races in six different decades. He trained them at his own farm and he raced them in the Northeastern and Midwestern States, as well as an earlier time locally. He maintained an active interest in this sport until the end of his life with his trotter Cotton Blossom.

He was married to the late Frances Virginia "Frankie" Munn Pierce who passed away on October 24, 2011.

Surviving are two sons, John Walter "Johnny" Pierce, III, Timmonsville; Jason Franklin (Allison) Pierce, Florence; a daughter, Gail Pierce Creel, Florence; grandchildren, Dr. Lara (Jim) Henry, William Creel, and Cade Pierce; two great-grandchildren, Jenna and Luke Henry; a special cousin Barbara Smith who was like his sister; and his friend and caregiver Wanda Main. He was looking forward to his daughter-in-law Allison giving birth to a new granddaughter in February. He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Richard Creel.

Memorials may be made to Peniel Baptist Church, 4186 Twin Church Rd, Timmonsville, SC 29161.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com