Raymond Warren Pearce

Ray W. Pearce passed to his new home on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:35 am in Mercy Hospital Springfield,Mo.

Ray was born on August 3,1941 in Tarkio, Mo. and at age 11 he was adopted by Frank & Gertrude Pearce of Butler, Mo. As many friends and colleagues know, Ray would always remember December 6th as the best day of his young life.

After graduating from Butler High School, Ray attended Drury College which is now Drury University. Upon graduation in 1963, Ray received a graduate assistant’s position in Physical Education at Penn State University and finished his master’s in education degree at the University of Missouri. He also completed a Specialist Degree at MSU.

In 1964, Ray began his teaching & coaching career at Rolla Jr. High for one year and then moved on to Springfield Public Schools. He taught & coached for 30 years at Study Jr. High, Central High School, and Cherokee Middle School. Ray had wonderful memories of his students & athletes and could tell “stories” for hours.

After retiring from teaching in 1994, Ray took his photography hobby to a new level and started Champion Sports Photography which kept him in touch with coaches and athletes in the area.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sara of 58 years, his sons Matthew (Yvette) and Thomas as well as his grandchildren Logan, Emma, and Audrey. His family gave him much joy and great pride as he watched them grow.

Visitation will be held on April 12 at Wesley Methodist Church at 10:00. The service will follow at 11:00 with Pastor Michael McIntyre officiating under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Wesley or Ozark Food Harvest.