Cleve Pierce, the son of Thomas J. Pierce, Sr. and Eliza Redmon Pierce, was born on September 21, 1890, in Coffee County, Alabama. He was educated in the schools of Coffee County and Opp. He was married to the former Georgia Belle Carroll Pierce of Ozark on April 4, 1917. To this union were born a son, C. Carroll Pierce, Opp, and a daughter, Marjorie Pierce Breitmeyer, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Mr. Pierce began work with The First National Bank of Opp in 1911, serving in all capacities from janitor and bookkeeper to Chief Executive Officer. He served as President of the bank from 1941-1964, and as Chief Executive Officer from 1941-1971. While he was serving, the resources of the bank increased from $1.5 million to $23.5 million.
Mr. Pierce served as Treasurer, City of Opp, and Councilman from 1928 to 1948. He was Treasurer, City Board of Education for 43 years. He served as President, Covington County Board of Education from December 27, 1941, until his death. Mr. Pierce was instrumental in the organization of the Mizell Memorial Hospital and served on the Board of that institution from 1945 to 1965.
He was a Charter Member, Opp Rotary Club, serving both as Committee Member and Director.
Mr. Pierce joined the First Methodist Church of Opp, in 1922, serving as a loyal and supportive member during his lifetime. For many years he was Chairman, Board of Trustees, and he served on the following committees: Nominations, Pastor-Parish Relations, and Finance. He was a member of the Methodist Men’s Club. In 1944 he was Director of the Crusade for Christ in the city of Opp.
Mr. Pierce was a banker, financier, community builder, and civic and religious leader. He contributed generously to all worthy causes, for he found fulfillment in building a better world, and his life is a record of worthy achievement. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1978.
