Melvin "Mel" Thomas Pierce, III

Melvin Thomas Pierce, III.

In Loving Memory

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Melvin "Mel" Thomas Pierce, III, who departed this life on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Mel was a cherished member of our family and community and will be missed by all who knew him. Born on December 25, 1972, to parents Melvin Thomas Pierce, Jr, and Mary Ann Ogle Pierce, Mel grew up in the Bearden area of Knoxville, Tn. He developed a passion for serving others and chose to pursue a path in law enforcement to follow in his beloved father's footsteps. Mel wanted others to remember him as a servant of God and his Christian faith was his unwavering strength and peace. Mel loved spending time with his family and engaging in his many hobbies. He enjoyed football, singing, drawing, painting, cooking, fishing, hunting, and golf. Mel shared his testimony and faith with others and during the last few months he shared challenge coins with others displaying favorite Bible verses with loved ones and strangers. Mel was a friend to every person he met, and shared his love for God and family with everyone he could. He incorporated his core values in his everyday life by the way that he interacted with others, in his work, and raising his family. He instilled values including empathy, compassion, honesty, patience, and kindness. He wanted to make sure that his children and grandchildren understood the value of being honest even when it was difficult, and working hard even on small tasks. Mel graduated from Bearden High School where he developed deep lifelong friendships with many special friends who continued to support him to his last days. After high school he attended the University of Tennessee where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Environmental Sociology. Mel was employed by the maintenance department for the City of Knoxville in 1995, started the KPD's police academy in January of 1996, and served the citizens of Knoxville for 30 years. Mel’s 30-year career with the Knoxville Police Department involved a range of positions and interests although his gentle but firm demeanor remained the same throughout. Mel's contribution to the youth of Knoxville involved many special programs and camps, as well as several years as a School Resource Officer serving at Richard Yoakley School. He also volunteered for many years during the summers at the FOP Youth Camp where many fond memories were made. Mel also served many years as an investigator in the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at KPD where his drive to protect children from the most heinous of criminals provided him with a deep sense of purpose. Mel cared deeply for his family and was always ready to support those around him. His generosity and readiness to assist others have made a significant and enduring contribution to many. Mel is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Thomas Pierce, Jr. Mel is survived by his wife of 25 years, Gina Diann Pierce, children Andrew Wright, Ben Teague (Kala), Hailey Whitaker (Alex), Gavin Pierce (Liv), Macie Pierce (Ronnie). Grandchildren, Braydyn Teague, Sophia Teague, and Presley Teague. Mother, Mary Ann Pierce, Sisters, Mindy Meade (Steve), Laura Wright (Pete). Many beloved brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and precious friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy and the memories he created will always stay with us. A visitation and celebration of Mel’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, at 701 Merchant Drive Knoxville, TN 37912 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service to immediately follow officiated by Mike Thompson. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor of Mel at  11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church to leave in procession for a 1:00 p.m. graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery at 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN with full honors provided by the Knoxville Police Department Honor Guard.  May Mel rest in peace and may the love he shared continue to inspire us all.  Condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.