GRAY — Clyde Walker Pierce Jr., of Gray, died on Sept. 13, 2011, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.
Walker was born on Jan. 18, 1915, in Portland, to Emma and Clyde Walker Sr. Clyde Walker Pierce Sr. worked in the Willard and Daggett Fish Distribution Company. Walker grew up attending Portland schools and graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1934.
Walker began as a pilot in 1935 flying biplanes. Early in WWII, he flew as a commercial airline pilot under contract with the Army Air Corps moving cargo and personnel to Labrador, Baffin Island and Greenland. He joined the Air Corps in 1944 and delivered fighters, bombers, and trainers stateside, and cargo planes throughout the South Pacific. Then in 1945, he was assigned to Mohambari, India where he made 65 round trips over the Himalayas to bases in China. After the war, he flew for Transocean Airlines to Europe, Iceland and the Near East. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until he retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Although Walker continued flying well after his 80th birthday, he spent his long career in the automobile business, most recently working for Rowe Ford in Westbrook where he remained an active employee until December when his health declined suddenly.
Walker was predeceased by his wife, Joan.
He is survived by his sons, Dale Pierce of Sebago and Clyde Pierce III of Bridgton; his daughter, Patricia Pierce Erikson of Peaks Island; a granddaughter and his two grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.
At Walker’s request, there will be no memorial service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Walker’s love of animals and donate in his name to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (http://www.msspa.org/).