Phil Pearce Obituary

Chris and Family,

I have had several days to think about the following so bear with me. Once I read the life story of Phil in the local newspaper I have felt many emotions.

I do know there is nothing I can say to lessen your pain at the loss of Phil, so I will not even begin to try.

I knew Phil initially in elementary school for a short period in Wilson, NC. I moved to a smaller town and lost touch with him. Latter and I am not sure how, we were reacquainted again when I was 17-18 years old. I knew him as a very kind, intelligent, a fine young man seeming with life time goals and focus.

Even though I did not know Phil during his Air Force career, looking at his life, I can imagine many things that others cannot. I feel very confident when Phil left Wilson on his journey to becoming a cadet at the Air Force Academy, it must have been a very incredible time in his life. The hard work at obtaining his educational goals and becoming a United States Air Force officer must have been beyond what many can not comprehend.

As being a 30 year retired Air Force member, I can speak from my heart and soul about the following. It appears Phil must have worn many hats during his time in the Air Force, most notably being a member of a B-52 Stratofortess air crew. Again during his time in the Air Force, he would have been identified by many Air Force terms…Cadet, Airman, and Warrior. I think the final one to be most notable, Air Force members more than anything trained hard and were ready for war and to die for their country, but the one thing that resounded in our entire being was “peace”. I can look at Phil and know peace and freedom were most important to him for his family and all other Americans. I know Phil sacrificed many things throughout his career, being away from his family, income less than he would have received by not using his education and skills in the civilian sector, among many other items some people would not be aware of. Phil was and always will be a respected American. He was living the American dream. I will never understand how and why Phil was taken as early in life as he was. I guess it makes us realize that each and every day is extremely precious. I do thank God for each day we are given.

Chris, Sean, Shannon, and Brandon…even though Phil’s physical being is gone from this earth, I do know his spirit will always be and live within you. I pray that your pain of loss will lessen even though I know your loss is incomprehensible.

If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Glenn Barnes, 5446 Scott Church Rd, Lucama, NC 27851, (C) 252-290-1691.

My Prayers are with you and your family.
May God Bless you in your time of sorrow.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. Phil and I grew up in the same neighborhood and were great friends throughout our childhood and school years. He was one of the finest people I have ever known. I continue to live in Wilson and his many friends here loved him dearly. Please let me know if I can do anything for you and your family. We will all miss him.

Duran Broadhurst
2713 Deerfield Lane
Wilson, N.C. 27896
(252)299-0556
[email protected]

Phil and I got to know each other when we worked for Medco and he was subsequently my boss at ADVP. More importantly he was a good friend. My condolances to Chris and family. You are in Katherine and my prayers.

I grew up with Phil and attended High School with him. While we did not stay in touch over the years, I always considered Phil a good friend and enjoyed seeing him at reunions. He was always very proud of his family and flying. I will miss Phil and wish the best for his family.