Michael Pettit Pierce passed away Monday, January 30th, 2023. He was born November 30th, 1954 in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Known around the Maryville and Alcoa area as the owner of Pierce Dental Lab, Mike dedicated his life to making dentures and dental prosthetics as a Certified Dental Technician. Though often working twelve hour days, Mike’s true happiness existed at his home in Louisville, Tennessee with his wife and large family of pets. Mike’s inability to turn a blind eye to a dog in need kept the house full of loose fur and unavoidable companionship. While at home, he was never more than three feet away from a friend.

Mike was a lover of music, particularly the folk, garage, and surf rock of the 1960s. His lab work was often soundtracked by the likes of Buffalo Springfield, The Beatles, and The Ventures—usually at unreasonably high volumes.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, George Pierce Jr., and is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Janet Smith Pierce; mother, Mattie Pettit Pierce of Maryville; sister, Bonnie Pierce; children: Emily Miller and husband Dusty, Drew Pierce and wife Katrina; granddaughters: Ava, Lillian, Mattie, Saylor, and Margot; nephew, Ernie LeQuire; dogs: Hudge, George, Flower, Rudy, Cody, and all-around hell-raiser, Dolly; and cat, Mr. Purrlin.

Per Mike’s wishes, he will be cremated with no public service. However, if he were laid to rest with a headstone, it would read: “Here lies a man who loved his dogs.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to any animal shelter, rescue, or animal advocacy group.