Mr. Woody Lynn Pierce age 65 and Mrs. Mattie Louise Pankey Pierce age 67 of Lakeview Dr. Ellijay died Thursday June 2,2011 following an airplane accident.

Mr. Pierce was born December 6,1945 in McCaysville,Ga the son of Kitty Aaron Pierce and the late Woodrow Pierce. He was retired from Lockheed/Martin Co, where he worked in Product Support. He served as an Elder and Treasurer of Oak Hill Independent Church, was a graduate of Gilmer High Class of 1964, and was an accomplished musician.

Mrs. Pierce was born November 21,1943 in Ellijay,Ga., the daughter of the late Marvin and Nancy Ann Banks Pankey. She was a cosmetologist having operated Artistic Styles Beauty Salon for many years. She was graduate of Gilmer High School Class of 1961 and attended Dalton Beauty College. She served as choir director and assistant treasurer for Oak Hill Independent Church and was an accomplished singer.

Survivors include: Children: Tim and Denise Smith, Lafayette, Ga.,Melanie Smith, Ellijay,Ga., Staci and Greg McClure, Ellijay,Ga., David and Tracy Smith, Ellijay,Ga., Lee and Jennifer Pierce, Ellijay,Ga., Shannon and Lauree Pierce, Ellijay,GA., Rick Smith, Buford,GA. God-children: Crystal and Richard “Redbone” Chastain, Ellijay,Ga.; 19 Grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Also Mr. Pierce is survived by his Mother, Kitty Pierce, Ellijay, Ga.; Sister, Barbara Sanford, Ellijay,Ga. Mrs. Pierce is survived by: Brother and sister-in-law, Hobart and Edna Pankey, Chatsworth,Ga.; Sisters: Mary Jones, Ellijay, Ga., Clara Faye Clark, Villa Rica,Ga., Ruby Cochran, Ellijay, Ga. Several nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday June 9, 2011 at 2:00pm from the Oak Hill Independent Church with Pastor Edward Ledford officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will meet with friends Tuesday from 6 until 9pm and Wednesday all day until 9:00pm at the funeral home.

A website has been established www.WoodyAndMattiePierce.com for donations in lieu of flowers

Bernhardt Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.