Sidney R. Pearce, Sr.  entered eternal rest on January 4, 2017. Born May 16, 1942 to the late Albert and Bertha (Handle) Pearce, he lived his entire life in Hampton.   Sidney retired as a firefighter after 25 years of service from Langley Air Force Base and had worked part-time for Pembroke Construction for over 15 years.    He was the owner/operator of Pearce Contracting which he started 28 years ago.  For over 54 years he dedicated his service to Buckroe Beach Volunteer Fire Co. and his greatest honor was serving as the volunteer fire chief for more than 34 years.  He was also a member of the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Co.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cheryl; his children Sidney Jr. and Tonya O'Connell (Robert); his grandchildren, Taylor O'Connell, River Pearce and Tiffany O'Connell; his brother Lewis (Nancy); and sisters, Francis Roach and Faye Gillaspie.

The family will receive friends 6-8 pm on Monday, January 9, 2017 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 South Armstead Ave. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 King's Way. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Buckroe Vol. Fire Co., 2412 E. Pembroke Ave, Hampton, 23664 or Hampton Baptist Church.