Eric Payton Pierce was born to his proud parents, Payton and Frances Lucille Pierce,
on September 24, 1960, in Oakland, CA. Eric the youngest of his siblings, accepted
Christ at an early age, was baptized at North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church, and
sang in the Jr. Choir.
Eric attended J.O. Ford and Fairmede Elementary Schools in Richmond, California;
before the family relocated to Sacramento in 1973. Upon arrival, Eric joined Saint Paul
Missionary Baptist Church. He continued his education at Joaquin Miller Jr. High and
graduated in 1978 from C.K. McClatchy High School.
Always easygoing, Eric never let much bother him. His mottos were "It is what it is" and
"Gotta move on, you can't let it bother you". Affectionately called "Hot Pappa" as a child,
he later became known as "Breeze" due to his easy and calm nature.
After high school, Eric attended Consumnes River College and started his career as a
Teller for Bank of America in 1977. Eric began his career with the State of California
Employment Development Department as a Key Data Operator in 1978.
In 1990, on a blind date, Eric met Renee (Gordon) Pierce, the love of his life. They
married shortly thereafter and to this union they welcomed their only child, Eric Payton
Pierce, II. Eric and Renee shared 33 years of love, companionship, and cherished
memories. Eric was the epitome of a devoted husband and father, prioritizing his family
above all else.
Eric had integrity and was honest. His outstanding work ethic and exceptional time
management skills allowed him to ascend. He was professional, reliable, confident, and
self-motivated. He worked in many sensitive and confidential areas throughout his state
career. He worked for the Bureau of Automotive Repair, California Highway Patrol,
California State Controller's Office, and the California Lottery Commission.
Eric's state service career spanned 37 illustrious years. He retired as a Senior
Information Systems Analyst Specialist in 2015, from the California State Franchise Tax
Board (FTB); where he received a Superior Accomplishment Award for his part in
helping FTB, transition to a more secure and efficient method for handling data.

A true Patriot, Eric enlisted and dedicated twelve years with the United States Army
Reserves. He was deployed and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his

military tenure, Eric received numerous Decorations, Medals, Badges, Campaign
Ribbons, Awards, and Citations.
Outside of work, Eric enjoyed many activities and hobbies. He approached life with
zest, kindness, compassion, and an unwavering understanding for those he
encountered. In 1989 Eric became a Member of the Fraternal Order of Free Masons.
A member of "The Most Worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M.", he held the
office of Secretary and volunteered many hours within his lodge.
A devoted Son, Eric worked with the Gleaners (a youth development program within the
Masonic organization) alongside his mother in her role as an Eastern Star. Eric helped
prepare, supervise, and drive the youth to their various meetings, parades, fundraisers,
annual conferences, and competitions.
Eric's home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality; the doors were always open,
and his smile reflected his welcoming, gentle, and resolute nature. Eric embraced each
day as a precious gift, living unapologetically through his faith and inspiring others to
seize the moment and strive for excellence.
An avid outdoors lover, Eric found solace and joy in fishing, boating, camping, and
traveling; often accompanied by cherished family and friends. He relished friendly
competition, particularly in the spirited game of dominoes, where he often triumphed
over his older brothers, Freddie, Anthony, and Larry.
Eric's passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of his loved ones. He was preceded in
death by his father, Payton Pierce, and brother, Larry Benjamin. He leaves a legacy of
love and memories which will be cherished by his devoted wife Renee, his son Eric, his
mother Frances Woods (Sacramento, CA), his brothers Freddie Hunter (Las Vegas,
NV), Anthony Pierce (Mary) (Sacramento, CA), Leonard Pierce (Hayward, CA), Carlton
Pierce (Forney, TX), and sisters, Lena Washington (Los Angeles, CA), Cynthia Burks
(Greensboro, NC) and Waverly Pierce-Kemp (Sacramento, CA). Eric leaves behind a
vast network of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he
touched with his kindness and grace.
In the tapestry of life, Eric Payton Pierce's memory will forever be woven with threads of
faith, love, laughter, bravery, courage, and enduring inspiration all the way to the end.
Though he has departed from this world, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.