CPO Marvin Milton Pierce, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Marvin Milton Pierce died on December 12, 2025, after a long illness, with family by his side.

He was born on December 30, 1937, in Moultrie, Georgia, to Joel Thomas and Cynthia Lucille (Williamson) Pierce. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was raised in Savannah and Vidalia, Georgia.

He began his military career in 1953 and retired from the U.S. Navy in 1976, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His distinguished service spanned the Marines, Army, and Navy. He completed two tours in Vietnam as a combat photographer, with his military career centered on photography, motion pictures and recruiting. Marvin was a member of the Navy film crew that documented the splashdown of the historic Mercury Atlas 9 missions in 1963, the final flight of the Mercury program and the first mission to last more than one day in space. He cherished all aspects of his military service. Following his military retirement, Marvin owned and operated several small businesses.

He was married to Carol (Maruska) in 1980, often saying “it was the best thing I ever did”. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, tending fruit trees, spending time with family and friends, telling jokes, traveling, and --most of all--- being with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Marvin is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Erika Bishop; sons, Chris, Scott and Shannon Pierce; grandchildren, Lauren and Brooke Bishop, Kylee, Emalee, Piper and Emerson Pierce; great-grandchildren, Wren (Lauren), Kaiden, Kyson and Jaylynn (Kylee); brothers Nick Pierce, Danny (Theresa), Carey, and Chris Perkins and many loved in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry.

Interment and Services will be held privately at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given to the Navy Relief Society, (PO Box 96172, Washington, DC 20090) or J C Lewis Cancer Research Pavilion, (225 Candler Dr, Savannah GA 31405), the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.

Do not stand

By my grave, and weep.

I am not there,

I do not sleep—

I am the thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints in snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle, autumn rain.

As you awake with morning’s hush,

I am the swift, up-flinging rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight,

I am the day transcending night.

Do not stand

By my grave, and cry—

I am not there,

I did not die.

— Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934