I was notified of the death of my brother on Dec. 29, l999. I had talked to him on Dec. 26 and had no reason to be apprehensive about him. Apparently he died in his sleep. Survivors are myself (Marion Avery) , a niece, Peggy Avery-Leach,and four nephews, Bruce, Robert, Douglas and David Avery. He is also survived be two stepsons, William and Kevin Marley. He had no children of his own. He was 75. He was an artist and a teacher in the Berkeley area for more that 25 years including a long tenure as an art teacher at Walnut Creek Civic Arts Center.He was a World War II veteran, having served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps and was also an active member of the MG Owners Club. The memorial service was held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Berkeley, According to the line according to "the Pierce Geneology being the Record of the Posterity of Thomas Pierce, an early inhabitant of Charlestown ) by Frederick Beech Pierce of Boston the line goes Thomas 1, Thomas 2, Thomas 3. Timothy 4, Timothy 5, Timothy 6, Palmer 7, Earl 8, and ending with my Great Grandfather Henry, 9. If there is anyone researching this line I would appreciate hearing from them. My Great Grandfather had several siblings, Lewis W. Pierce,Benjamin W, Pierce,William C. Pierce, James H. Pierce, Daniel W. Pierce, Edwin R. Pierce, and John L. Pierce. The book which I inherited from my Grandmother has pictures and obituaries, etc. that she has added. The direct line from my Great Grandfather continues as follows: Frederick Wright Pierce.10, Earl Douglas Pierce, 11. and my brother, Earl Douglas Pierce Jr.,12 .