James "Leslie" Pearce, age 96, of Hamilton, Alabama, passed away on July 30, 2026.

Born on September 9, 1929, in Pea Ridge, Alabama, Leslie was the son of the late James Franklin and Kizzie Pollard Pearce. He was preceded in death by his wife, Era Nell Pearce; sisters, Willene Phillips and Eulene Pearce; brothers, Durrell Pearce and Ellis Pearce; and his son, Terry Pearce.

Leslie is survived by his son, Ricky Pearce (wife, Pam); his grandchildren, Adam Pearce (wife, Lottie), Bethany Pearce, Cory Pearce, and Tesney Davis (husband, Greg); great-grandchildren, Clayton and Kirill Davis, and Tanner and Parker Stewart; brothers, Holley Pearce, Edsel Pearce, Oscar Mann; and other family members and friends.

A man who loved the outdoors, Leslie found great joy in hunting, fishing, searching for arrowheads, gardening, and turkey calling. He was a hard worker who appreciated the simple blessings of life and the beauty of God's creation.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. Leslie was a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over half of his life,

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Marion County Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. Interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.