Hall of Fame
Al Pierce came to Chowan College in the fall of 1955 as a touted local football talent from nearby Ahoskie High School. The Colerain, North Carolina native was so enthusiastic about the game of football he was known to ride his bicycle 30 miles round trip from Colerain to Ahoskie for practice each day. Once his family settled in Ahoskie, Pierce’s talents began to shine through. He played both offense and defense for the then Ahoskie High School Indians. His gridiron prowess caught the attention of Chowan’s then head coach, Herb Appenzeller.
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Pierce played two seasons for the then Braves helping them post two great records. In fact, in his first season of collegiate football he helped the team to an 8-1 overall record and two bowl game victories over Newport News Apprentice and Fork Union Military Academy.
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Pierce graduated from Chowan in 1957 and entered the Army. He continued with his football career with the Fort Knox Post Team. He turned out to be a great offensive threat for the Post Team after leading the squad in scoring for the first five games of the season.
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Pierce left the military in 1958 and joined the ranks of the civilian world where he experienced much success in the banking industry. In 1960, Pierce was transferred from his banking post in Virginia to Concord, North Carolina. He met and married Donna Aileen Cantwell and settled into the Concord area.
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For 36 years Pierce worked in finance, city government, and commercial banking. He also held a real estate license. He went into business for himself overseeing the management of a construction company and a mortgage company.
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Pierce has been active in his community, attending Branch View First Church of God. He is also active in the Kiwanis Club and held the offices of President, Vice President, and was on the Board of Directors. He has served the Concord Chamber of Commerce on various committees and served a term on the Board of the Concord Housing Department. He was the Campaign Committee Treasurer for Bill Hefner when he was elected to Congress.
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Pierce was married to the late Donna Cantwell Pierce for 36 years. He resides in Concord, N.C.
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