Born in Houston June 8, 1928, to Minnie (Gordon) and Sam Pierce, young Phil and his family soon moved to Taylor, Texas, where at age 8, he served as the first official Taylor Duck mascot, leading the team onto the field dressed in a full football uniform.

He later attended Taylor High School, serving as team captain for the undefeated football squad of 1945 under legendary Coach T.H. Johnson.

Phil’s brother, Sidney Pierce, was the first Williamson County casualty at Pearl Harbor when his plane engaged enemy aircraft on the day of the attack. Phil proudly followed his brother into service, joining the Air Force in 1950 and retiring as a major in 1969.

He married Mildred Rogers of Georgetown in 1948 and had two daughters while serving in the military at various locations across the U.S. and abroad.

Phil loved airplanes and flying but also enjoyed ocean life and boating. While living in the Galveston area, he met and married Darlyne Mitros. They enjoyed retirement together and provided Phil’s family with many fond memories of vacations to Galveston.

He later moved to Austin and rekindled a relationship from his Taylor High days with Johnson’s daughter, DJ Elliot. Phil and DJ enjoyed traveling, telling old high school stories and spending time with family and friends.

Phil was a member of First United Methodist Church of Georgetown, where at the age of 94, he was baptized.

Survivors include daughters Pris Lester (husband Terry), and Penny Mickan (husband Danny), all of Georgetown.

He was so proud of his six grandchildren and their families, including 13 great-grandchildren.

The family thanks the Brookdale community and Suncrest Hospice for their wonderful care and attention provided to Phil.

A family graveside service is pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wounded Warriors Foundation or a charity of choice.

Services are under the direction of The Gabriels Funeral Chapel and Crematory of Georgetown.