Willard Elroy Pierce was born on August 15, 1938 in North English, Iowa the son of Willard Dale and Frances Augusta (Knipfer) Pierce. Elroy entered into eternal peace on Saturday morning, October 2, 2010 at the Tabor Manor Care Center following a brief battle with cancer.

Elroy's early years were spent growing up in the country southeast of Farragut. He attended Farragut Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1956. On July 18, 1956 he enlisted in the United States Navy. While he was in the military he was stationed in Bainbridge, MD, San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. He served his country as a draftsman until he was honorably discharged on August 14, 1959.

He was united in marriage to Mary Miller and to this union one son, William was born. The couple made their home in Farragut and for the last several years have resided in Shenandoah.

Elroy was quite the artist. His passion for drawing and animation led him to work for Disney Studios, a job that he received through a wonderful reference letter from his mentor Lyle Latimer, who always believed in Elroy's abilities. He also worked as a firefighter, draftsman, and as a mason for J.E. Dunn, Jim Dobbs, Jack Hodges, and Bill Dobbs. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Farragut and the Eagle's in Shenandoah. Some of his passions included drawing, Iowa Hawk-Eye Football, sports, snooker, riding broncos in the rodeo, and gardening. He grew the best sweet corn!

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Mary; son Bill and wife Samantha Pierce; grandchildren Zachary Gobert, Jacob Pierce, Savannah Pierce, Samual Pierce, and Chloe; sisters Francine Bangs, Janice Anderzhon and husband Jim and Julie Hayes and husband Jerry; step-children Kathy Durm, David Taylor and Scott Taylor; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.