Wade Benjamin Pierce

Wade Benjamin Pierce, 28, of Amarillo died tragically June 5, 2022. Anyone who knew Wade, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Anthony “Tony” Pierce; grandparents, Clifford “Papa” Mayben, Christopher “Granddad” Pierce, and LaJoyce “Bah” Pierce; aunt, Renie Mayben; and uncles, Ronald Mayben and David Burrell.

Wade is survived by his loving mother Shelia Pierce, who Wade referred to as his North Star; grandmother, Bobbie “Grannie” Mayben; aunts and uncles, Gretta and Michael Johnson, Lisha Burrell, Kenneth Mayben, and Todd and Peggy Pierce; cousins, Brittany and Donovan Ashcraft, Summer Johnson, Christopher Burrell, Robert, Kim, Riley and Kenley Mayben, Amanda and Josh Middleton, and many friends.

Souls like Wade’s are hard to come by. As a young boy Wade’s enthusiasm usually entered the room several seconds before he did. He was loved by everyone he came in contact with. He was kind, thoughtful, and loving. He was known to leave post-it notes of encouragement to brighten the days of his loved ones. He always told his friends to “Be well” and that he loved them. His infectious smile was contagious and customarily had a hint of mischief behind it.  Bold and daring, Wade was always up for a good adventure. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, hunting, and spending time outdoors at his land in Colorado and at Cottonwood Lake. He loved to play chess, and friends found it next to impossible to beat him. He also enjoyed attending church activities. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting in his lawn chair outside. If you were to ask Wade how his day was, his response would likely be “Anther day in paradise”. Wade grew up surrounded by twirlers. He suffered through (and secretly enjoyed) many twirling competitions. In his youth Wade developed a love of soccer—partly due to the fact his dad was probably afraid he was going to pick up a baton and start twirling like his mom, aunt, and cousins! His dedication to the sport led to playing soccer in Europe on the Stars and Stripes team at only 13 and his 3v3 team winning Nationals at Disneyland in 2005. Wade also played club soccer for the Drifters. Even after practices, games, and tournaments, he and his soccer teammates always found small slivers of time left in their chaotic schedules for even more soccer.

Wade graduated from Amarillo High in 2012 where he played on the Sandie soccer team with 21 other seniors. His favorite way to score on the soccer field was by toe poking the ball, even though he knew it was not the correct way. Wade usually made his own way in life. He never wanted to be defined only by his mistakes. After leaving a life of substance abuse behind, he worked hard on understanding how he could be a better person and not letting those demons win. His death leaves a void that cannot be filled.

At age 13, Wade lost his beloved dad to cancer. It was a profound loss Wade never quite recovered from. As a young man with both passion and an intense sense of empathy, Wade was also subject to depression. He found comfort and peace at times but was never able to fully extricate himself from the inner struggle which was always partially hidden to those around him. In a moment of despair that sadly can never be taken back, Wade took his own life.

Wade had plans and goals and family that loved him. In the last week of his life, Wade outlined a plan for his dream business. A business that could make people healthy and happy just by stepping onto his property. That is the type of person he was—dedicated to giving others the health and happiness that was so elusive to him.

Wade made this world a better place. His time on this Earth was too short, but God is using him in a different way. Wade’s pain was terminal, and all the love and concern in the world could not bring a cure. But, if talking about it and exposing it will help even one person find a way to talk about their pain, a difference will be made. By bringing awareness to suicide and the tragic and devastating loss of life, our beloved Wade’s death will not be in vain.

Visitation will be Friday, March 17, 2023, from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Following a private family burial at the graveside, a Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The family encourages you to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Hope and Healing Place suicide prevention. 1721 S. Tyler St, Amarillo, TX 79102.