William J. Pierce, 86, of Norwalk, Ohio, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.  He was born on May 21, 1939, in Athens County, Ohio, the son of the late Floyd and Wilma (Green) Pierce.  On December 18, 1971, he married Marilyn Netcher of Elmore, Ohio, and she survives.  They moved to Norwalk, Ohio, in 1973.

Bill was a 1957 graduate of New London High School, New London, Ohio.  He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1961 with a B.A. in History.  While attending the University of Arizona, Bill played the baritone horn in the marching and symphonic bands.  In 1971, he finished his Master of Education Degree in Counseling from Bowling Green State University.

Bill taught school in Los Angeles, California, from 1962-64.  He taught at Norwalk High School from 1964-68, and at Bellevue High School from 1968-2000.  In addition to teaching history, he was a high school guidance counselor. Bill enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren and going to their sporting events and other activities.  He loved the family trips to Arizona, the beach, and Williamsburg.  He enjoyed volunteering, including serving at community dinners and driving for Meals on Wheels, tracing genealogy, reading, collecting history books, and visiting historic sites.  Bill was a member of the Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Bill is survived by his wife Marilyn of 53 years; daughters, Melissa Hogan of Monroe, Ohio, and Mary (Jason) Popovic, of Twinsburg, Ohio; grandchildren, Emma and Ryan Adolph, and Andrew, Erin, and Anna Popovic; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son in-law, Ryan Hogan, brother, Jim Pierce, and sister in-law, Janet (Bedo) Pierce.

He will forever be in our hearts.

A private graveside service for Bill will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rooted in Christ Fellowship Church, 2590 State Route 18, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857, or the Parkinson's Foundation of Northwest Ohio, 14822 Lake Winds Dr., Perrysburg, OH 43551.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com