A.J. Pierce Jr. (known to most of us by either Curly or Bill) was born September 1, 1953, in Cushing, OK to the late A.J. "Bill" Pierce Sr. and Bonnie (Pruitt) Pierce. He departed this life on September 12, 2022, at his home in Cushing at the age of 69. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing.

Curly was baptized on September 16, 1979, by Brother Gerald Rodgers. On August 23, 1980, he was united in matrimony to Elaine Neal. His early years were spent milking cows and hauling hay.  Most of his adult life was in the masonry business with short periods of time working for Burkey Creamery and in the oil field, granite fabrication, and house building professions. His semi-retired years went back to caring for cattle. He loved traveling and attending his relatives' ball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bonnie Pierce-Giblet and stepfather Ray Giblet.

He is survived by his wife Elaine of the home, sister Wilma Hale of Agra, OK, and brother Spencer Giblet of Cushing, OK; nephews, Chad Hale of Oklahoma City, Travis Hale of Agra, OK, and John Giblet of Cushing, OK; great-nephews, Eric Hale, Brantly Hale-Pittser, Logan Hale-Callanan; great-nieces, Brooklen Hale, Destiny Hunsucker, Kaitlynn Hale-Callanan, and other relatives, brethren, and friends.

It was Curly's wishes not to have any viewing or visitation at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022, at the Church of the Firstborn, Cushing, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Flynn Cemetery in Cushing.