Joseph Hunter Pierson, Jr

Joseph Hunter Pierson, Jr. went to be with his Lord on June 12, 2026 at the age of 75, following a battle with Melanoma. His courage and bravery were surpassed only by his fierce love and devotion to his family. Joe was born on August 1, 1950 in Natchitoches, LA to Joe H. Pierson, Sr. & Margaret Barnes Pierson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bobby Pierson, nephew, Kevin Pierson, and brothers-in-law, Terry Cleland and Johnny Cloud.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pat; his daughter Alicia Pierson Fidanza and husband, John III, of Baton Rouge and son, Joshua Nolen Pierson and Fiancée, Haley of Natchitoches.

Left to cherish his memory are grandchildren, Anna Margaret Harris of Baton Rouge, William Hunter Harris of Ruston, and Calan Walker Pierson and Camille Faith Pierson of Van Alstyne, TX, Step grandchildren include Nicole Fidanza of Lexington, KY; John Fidanza IV of Jupiter, FL; Anna Maria Fidanza of Baton Rouge, and Anthony Fidanza of Zachary. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Pierson Cleland of Lake Charles, LA and Susan Pierson Berndt (Barry) of Beaumont, TX.

Joe will be remembered for his passion for good food, his love of entertaining family and friends, his deep commitment to City Bank, and his dedication to “getting things done on time”. He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1968, attended LSU briefly, then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969. He went on to receive an Honorable discharge as a Specialist 5 in 1971. He always remained deeply proud of his military service.

Joe then enrolled at Northwestern State University, playing on the NSU Golf Team which went to the NAIA National Tournament three consecutive years. He graduated with a B. S. in Business Administration and a minor in Economics in 1974. He also began his banking career at City Bank & Trust Co. and worked there, holding various positions until 1987, when he & Pat relocated to Greenville, NC, where he was employed by Wachovia Bank and she was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at East Carolina University. After five successful years in each of their careers, they returned to Natchitoches and Joe assumed the role of President & CEO at City Bank, where he served until his retirement from that position in 2015. He continued serving as Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors until February of 2026. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Louisiana Banker’s Association, for 53 remarkable years of service to the banking industry.

Joe was involved in civic and community organizations throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, a longtime member of Rotary International, having been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Agitator’s Club, the Monday Lunch Bunch group, a former President of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce and served on many boards and committees in those various organizations.

Joe’s life long love of duck hunting was a prominent focus and passion for him. Working as a partner in his beloved Bayou Pierre Wildlife, LLC was his favorite pastime and gave him such a source of pride, generously sharing it with fellow hunters, friends, and family.

In their retirement, Joe and Pat enjoyed traveling-pheasant hunting in South Dakota in October, duck hunting in Louisiana in January, August trips to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, all spent with dear “hunt group” friends. A special thanks goes to John & Sarah Luster for introducing , inviting, and always including them in being a part of this wonderful group of people. The memories made are priceless.

They enjoyed many Alaska fishing trips with dear friends, as well! Joe loved seeing God’s creation, untouched by humans, and it was a very spiritual thing for him.

Joe and Pat were humbled and honored that City Bank employees and Directors established the Joe & Pat Pierson Scholarship at Northwestern State University recently. Memorials in Joe’s name may be given to that scholarship fund at NSU or to First United Methodist Church, Natchitoches, LA.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Bill Luster, Dr. George Ingrish, Kirk Soileau & NRMC, Dr. Akhtar, Dr. Richards, and the staff at the Cancer Center, and the staff at Hospice of Natchitoches for their wonderful care and concern.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 18 in the sanctuary with visitation from 9-11 and the service will be held at 11am.

Pallbearers will be John Ackel, Jeff Fair, Ken Guidry, Mickey Hennigan, Pat Johnson, Rayburn Smith, Will Harris and Calan Pierson.

Interment will follow in Memory Lawn Cemetery.