San Antonio Bids Farewell to Dr. Joseph A. “Joe” Pierce, A Pillar of the Community
San Antonio is in mourning after the recent passing of Dr. Joseph A. “Joe” Pierce, a beloved retired anesthesiologist and passionate advocate for African American culture and history. Dr. Pierce, who was a cherished member of the community, died on August 29 at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy intertwined with the fabric of this vibrant city.
A Lifelong Passion for Culture
Dr. Pierce dedicated much of his life to preserving and promoting Black cultural heritage. Alongside his wife, Aaronetta, they amassed an impressive collection of over 6,000 books focused on African American history and culture. This collection included rare first editions and out-of-print gems, many of which addressed the longstanding issues facing the country. “The nonfiction books are related to various problems that the country has been involved with for years and years and up to the very moment we’re living in,” Dr. Pierce shared in a heartfelt conversation back in 2021.
Giving Back Through Art
Beyond reading and collecting, Dr. Pierce also made his mark through art advocacy. Together with his wife, he founded Premier Artworks Inc., aiming to uplift African American artists across the nation. Their efforts didn’t stop there; they helped launch the San Antonio Ethnic Art Society and were instrumental in establishing a broader appreciation of the arts within the community. His commitment to culture extended further, as he served as a board member of the African American Museum of Art and Culture in Dallas.
From Medicine to Military Service
Dr. Pierce’s contributions went beyond the cultural realm and into the world of medicine. After marrying Aaronetta in 1964 in Nashville, Tennessee, they relocated to San Antonio due to his military service in the U.S. Army. After completing his residency in anesthesiology at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, he eventually returned to San Antonio to start a private practice. Dr. Pierce also served as chief of anesthesia and operative services at Second General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Educational Background and Early Life
Born on August 13, 1935, in Marshall, Texas, Dr. Pierce came from a family of educators. His upbringing on historically Black campuses significantly influenced his life. He graduated from Texas Southern University in 1957 and went on to earn his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, one of the oldest historically Black medical schools in the country.
A Love for Sports and the Arts
Apart from his academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Pierce demonstrated athletic prowess during his youth. He was celebrated for winning two state championships in tennis doubles while attending Jack Yates High School in Houston. A true sports fan, he even became an early investor in the San Antonio Spurs.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Pierce leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Aaronetta, their two sons, Michael and Joseph, and three grandchildren. His family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, asking friends and the community to keep them in their prayers. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. this Friday at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1001 N. Walters St., which will also be livestreamed.
As the San Antonio community remembers Dr. Joe Pierce, his contributions to medicine, art, and the celebration of African American heritage will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. His remarkable journey through life stands as a testament to the power of passion, education, and community service.
