Roll Call Tribute

Larry Gene Pierson 

March 1, 1937 - May 11, 2023 

"A life well lived"

With his son and daughter by his side, Larry Gene Pierson left this world on Thursday, May 11, at the age of 86. Larry loved his family, his faith, and his Fightin' Texas Aggies (Class of '59). He leaves a legacy of memories for all who knew and loved him. In 2016, after the passing of his soul-mate of nearly 60 years, Virginia "Bunny" Cowan Pierson, Larry began writing a collection of family stories full of his wit and wisdom.

Larry, the grandson of Norwegian immigrants and Texas ranchers, was born in Hamilton County, Texas to Edwin L. (Class of '38) and Jessie Mae Harris Pierson.

He and Virginia were high school sweethearts in Mississippi who married after he graduated from Texas A&M. He was an Officer in the Corp of Cadets and served a tour in Korea as an Army helicopter pilot. Stateside, he helped test helicopters in new roles that they had not been previously used for. Larry had a distinguished career with Kraft Foods - in sales, training, and management - and won a number of awards for his successes. His career led his family from Mississippi to El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

When Larry and Virginia finally retired to the "good life" in College Station, he taught a senior-level marketing course at Texas A&M, worked at the Texas A&M Sports Museum, attended numerous Aggie sporting events, and traveled the world with Virginia and their children. Larry was a long-time member of Christ Church and greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was especially proud of the four generations of Aggies in his family, with great hope for future generations.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Richard Pierson; and dear cousin, John Edwin Pierson (Class of '53).

Survivors include his two children; two grandchildren and their spouses, Ed '82 and Pat Pierson, Ginny Pierson '86 and Tina Cheatham, Daniel '09 and Lauren '11 Pierson, and Leigh '12 and David '12 Verret; as well as five great-grandchildren, Micah, Hannah, Tate, Eliana, and Conrad. Larry is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Dorris Pierson and Maria Stocks; special friend, Carol Harrod; close family friend, Eleanor Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and friends, who will all remember him fondly.

A service to celebrate this life well-lived will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 1 p.m., at Christ Church in College Station.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry's memory to the American Cancer Society or through a contribution to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate the Larry Pierson '59 Memorial Scholarship in the memo line of the check.

His memory can also be honored by simply doing something Larry would do – strike up a conversation with someone at the grocery store, plant a tomato plant or a fig tree, call someone you haven't talked to in a while, rescue a box turtle from the road, attend an Aggie sporting event, or volunteer your time at your favorite organization.