Joseph Paul Pearce, 85, of Topping, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lavonne Pearce.
Paul was retired from the United States Air Force after serving 23 years. He was a flight mechanic on B-52s, flight engineer on the Caribou and finished his career as a flight engineer on the C-141 Star Lifter. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, Accommodation Medals and Achievement Medals.
Paul was an avid skeet shooter where he earned many championship titles. His passion was goose hunting and he made numerous trips to Canada with his son, Victor; and grandson, Daniel.
Paul is survived by his son, Victor Pearce, and wife, Samsik of Colorado; his daughter, Tammie Hogge, and husband, Wayne of Hartfield; grandchildren, Joseph (Christy), Brandon, Ryan (Annie), Clayton, Heather (J.T.), Daniel (Katie); 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower United Methodist Church, Buoys and Gulls Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 98, Hartfield, VA 23071.
