If David Pierce needed to borrow your car, it would be full of gas when you got it back. He is just one of those guys who’s true blue. He is an accomplished writer, teacher, devoted husband and father, but in a word describes himself as a storyteller. David recently visited my scuba store, and I was able to sit down with him and visit with him for a few minutes. I don’t get to see him often, but have enjoyed knowing him since he was a SCUBA student of mine years ago.
Growing up in Ashland City, David has lived in Rutherford County for 25 years. He met his now famous wife, Chonda Pierce, while they were both in high school. She is a well known standup comedian, television hostess and author. They have been married for 28 years and have authored two children’s books together, Tales From the Ark and Tales From the Manger.
The first book of David’s that I read was a memoir called Salvage. A memoir is different than an autobiography in that it allows the author to explore a slice of their life. In this book, David shares his story from the age of 6–23. It is a story about growing up and of his struggles with an alcoholic father. I am an avid reader, and I habitually turn page corners down when I enjoy particular passages of dialogue. I do this so that I can go back and revisit these well crafted words, and as I read through Salvage, I turned down a lot of pages. The book explores the concept of salvage as defined by David’s father—“used, broken, and worn, but too good to throw away.” It was in this book that I discovered David’s talent for helping others by sharing his experiences.
Wearing a Superman T-shirt and sandals, David can talk about his books and accomplishments while still exuding humility. He is an talented speaker and travels frequently to writing workshops where he teaches mystery writing. One of his books, It’s A Crime, is a collection of 12 short stories published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, with commentary by the author about each story.
Don’t Let Me Go is another memoir David penned about his adventures with his daughter, Chera. David enjoys SCUBA diving, fishing, golfing, and marathons, but in this book David explores the relationship between father and daughter as they climbed several mountains together. After reading a story about Mt. Everest, David and Chera climbed Pike’s in Colorado. This climb to 14,000-plus feet above sea level is just one of the many stories in David’s life that brought about self-discovery, a self-discovery that David shares eloquently in his writings.
David’s latest book is a work of nonfiction to be published by Leafwood entitled To Kill A Zombie. It is a philosophical look at people and relationships, about how to love God by loving people. How many of us appear alive on the outside, but feel dead like a zombie on the inside? David explores his thoughts and insights on becoming spiritually alive again and how he killed his personal zombie.
David is assuredly one of Murfreesboro’s most talented writers. I encourage you to explore his writings and share in the enjoyment of one of our homegrown talents. I guarantee that his writings are worth your time.
(Editor’s note: Longtime Rutherford County resident, former MTSU professor, writer, husband and father David Pierce passed away on July 22, 2014. His wife, Chonda, chronicled the closing days of his life, and those that followed on her Facebook page, where thousands went through the journey and grieving process with her.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in David’s honor be made to Branches Counseling Center or Compassion International:
Branches Counseling Center
1450 Battleground Dr.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
branchesrecoverycenter.com
Compassion International
12290 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
compassion.com/davidpierce)
I didn’t know Daivd or Chondra …I love her sense of humor. I followed her on all her post with David last days. I felt her pain and cried too. David will be truly .missed. As I read the page up above I must get David book he wrote. I’m so sorry for your loss..((hugs))
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 11:01 am
Thank you I never realized this is what he did. I have always known Chonda way back from Lynchburg, Va. Where I attended Thomas Road and now through EWomen (Julie Clinton). Keeping Chonda and family in my prayers and truly believe like Mandisa song “Overcomer” this will be true of you Chanda and will have a laugh behind it.
Love you,Sister
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 11:04 am
Only knew David through Chondras FB but loved her and the laughter she brought to millions . I call her The a Laughing Lady .. Love and Prayers !
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 11:53 am
I only knew David Pierce through his wife Chonda’s writings/performances. However, since his passing, articles like yours have made me wish I knew him better! I think he would be a person I would like to call “friend!” I’m looking forward to making his books my next “read(s)”… Thanks for sharing…
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
RIP, David, and I pray for your legacy to continue through those who love you!
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
Thank you for sharing a little about David.
I followed Chonda’s career but knew little about David. What an amazing man God chose for Chonda! May God continue to comfort each of you as you navigagte these difficult time.
Joan Clark
clark4388@bellsouth.net
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 2:06 pm
I went through the grieving process with Chonda Pierce by reading all her beautiful posts regarding her husbands journey “home”. I have seen her in person once and have followed her since online. What a great life her husband had and what a great man he must have been too.. She is very blessed to have had that experience with her husband. I too want to show others how much I love God, by loving others. These look like great books to read.
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 2:14 pm
This was a great article. It was a very nice tribute to Mr. Pierce.
Comment August 1, 2014 @ 2:58 pm
You are a truly blessed woman Chonda. To have loved and been loved as you were. Some women never get to experience that kind of love in this lifetime. Be comforted in knowing you will be with David again. I share your experience of losing my husband too soon. But I can rejoice because God is my healer and has given me new joy. Our hope is in God. Without Him we are finished! Read Deut 30:19. This gave me new direction in my life. Be blessed Chonda. Many are praying for you.
Comment August 2, 2014 @ 7:50 am
Hi Chandra, I met you back stage at Raytown Baptist Church 6 years ago or so. I had to sneak back I got to talk with you for just a movement then your ever so protective husband showed up and our time was over. I am sorry for your loss, I hope soon you will feel like making everyone laugh again I know our dear God will help you find your footing again. I am so glad you have your memories of David and your wonderful children and family. I will continue to pray for you. God bless Lisa Smothers
Comment August 2, 2014 @ 9:17 am
Hi Chonda, I’ve never met you but have laughed so many times as I watched your videos. And now your heart is broken because of the death of your husband. I know it feels like your joy is gone. That’s how I felt almost 4 years ago when my husband went to Heaven. But God will strengthen you, as He has done for me, and eventually your wonderful humor will return. You’re in my prayers, sweet beautiful lady.
Comment August 3, 2014 @ 7:15 pm
I have loved Chondra for so many yrs and her ability to make u laugh w/out all the nasty stuff comedians usually use to get a laugh…but had no idea David had this many books.He was absolutely her backbone and someone was so right when she said not everyone gets a chance to be loved like the love they had for so many yrs.Rest in Peace David.You will not be forgotten.
Comment August 3, 2014 @ 10:03 pm
I am fortunate enough to have met David one weekend that Chonda held a retreat for several of her turbos. Th personal time they gave us was very special and rewarding. You could definitely tell there was so much love between them. They were expecting their first grandchild at that time and we all (her turbos) brought gifts for the baby and lots of diapers. We were able to skype with the parents to be and felt so connected. I can so remember David’s telling stories to us. And they all began with “It was a dark and stormy night.” And I have read his books. His sense of humor was much like Chonda’s. I know he is in Heaven waiting for his sweetheart.
Comment August 12, 2014 @ 10:57 am
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of David’s going home. I thought about and prayed for Chonda all day. She seems just like a real sister to me. And I had the opportunity to tell her that. I am very interested in the writings of David and hope to find all that he has written. We just don’t know why, but HE does.
Comment July 23, 2015 @ 2:11 pm
It was my privilege to be David’s and Chonda’s pastor in Nashville when they were struggling to make a living while living at motel off I-24 in Nashville where he worked as the maintenance man for the motel. We became friends and remained friends until his untimely death. I have in my possession signed copies of two of the three books he has authored. David was as the article described him. He left us too soon. The last time I saw David was at Chonda’s mother’s memorial service. Little did I realize he would be gone so soon after that meeting. I have my own fond memories of David. I miss our conversations.
Comment August 2, 2016 @ 5:18 pm