Clarence Aubert “Jack” Pierce was born to Hershel and Mary Louise Pierce in 1928 in downtown Nacogdoches, Texas, in a house that was converted from the old city jail. He used to like to say that he was the only state judge born in a jail.
Jack Pierce was elected president of his freshman class at Baylor Law School and unanimously elected Chief Justice of the Student Court for three consecutive years. He secretly passed his bar exam a semester early, returning to classes a licensed attorney. When he received his diploma, he told the Deans, “Boys, just write, Good only in Nacogdoches County, because I’m going home”
Upon his return, Jack Pierce reactivated the Nacogdoches County Bar Association and was elected the first president of the East Texas Bar Association. He was court-appointed to represent one of two defendants in a highly-publicized murder trial involving the brutal bludgeoning of two elderly women. It was only the second capital murder trial in Nacogdoches County.
Governor John Connally appointed Jack Pierce to the 145th judicial court in 1963. He was one of the youngest state judges at that time. Upon his retirement in 2001, he was the longest sitting judge in the state of Texas.
Judge Pierce’s long tenure on the bench was marked by a serious attention to civility and decorum. If a man forgot his coat and tie in the courtroom, he best go home and get them. He made jurors who dreaded their duty feel important. He made tough decisions regarding property and custody, while attempting to show “fairness and dignity to all.” He dispensed long lectures to juveniles, always hoping that moment would be a turning point in their lives.
Judge Pierce was the presiding judge in the trial of two of the FBI’s Most Wanted. He also presided over the capital murder trial of Khristian Oliver. Even attorneys who might criticize him conceded that he was an amazing legal scholar.
He was a recipient of the Silver Beaver for Distinguished Service to the Boy Scouts. He was named Father of the Year by Fredonia Hill Church. He was known for his trademark bow tie.
Jack and Willene Pierce married in 1958. As one friend said, “You didn’t think of Jack without thinking of Willene, or think of Willene without thinking about Jack.” Their home on Raguet Street with its bright red azaleas was the venue for many community events until Mrs. Pierce’s illness and death.
They had two daughters, Mary Elizabeth McWilliams and Rosemary Pierce. They raised Willene’s younger sisters, Lynette Pierce and Lori Martin, as their own daughters. They were grandparents to Kathy Leigh Weens, Stephanie Bade, Melissa Weens, Gallen Pierce Lackey, Mary Sommer Grissom, Mary Aubre Pierce Lackey, Gabe Pierce Lackey, Charles Daniel Pierce, Jacklyn Elizabeth Pierce, and Anna Rosa Fizouaty. They were great-grandparents to Sydney Weens, Matt Weens, and “Little Jack” Grissom.
In 2005, Jack Pierce married Sue Newman. “Momma Sue” was a devoted mate who sacrificed her own retirement to make the final years of his life worth living. Her children, Gary Wright and Tinina Westbrook, also became part of his extended family.
After he gave so much to so very many, Judge Jack Pierce passed on his birthday, August, 30, 2012. Visitation will be at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse on Friday, September 7, 2012, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012, at First Baptist Church, located at 411 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors. Online memories and condolences accepted at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.
