David Pierce

David “Dave” Pierce, age 84, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., leaving behind a legacy of creativity, storytelling, and deep love for family, community, and the arts.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at The Woodlawn Chapel, 8001 Woodlawn Road Maurice, LA 70555 Dave’s family will receive friends at 10:00 AM where family and friends will gather to honor a life that touched so many across Acadiana and beyond.

Born on October 12, 1941, to Casey Pierce and Nellie Marceaux Pierce, Dave was raised along the bayous of South Louisiana, growing up in Intracoastal City during the 1940s and early 1950s. From an early age, he distinguished himself as a student, athlete, and performer. He graduated at the top of his class from Abbeville High School, earning a 4.0 GPA, and was recognized as an All-State running back.

At just 17, Dave began his broadcasting journey as a disc jockey at KROF, later working at KVOL in Lafayette while attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana. At 19, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for the arts, earning a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in theatre arts.

During his years in California, Dave became a pioneer in both theater and radio. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, he built the Cellar Theatre and Actors Video Workshop in Hollywood and staged one of the first live video/stage productions in 1968. In radio, he helped shape the emerging “free-form underground” FM format, contributing to the rise of stations like KPPC-FM, which became a leader in Los Angeles rock radio and nationwide.

In 1971, seeking a return to a quieter life, Dave and his family moved back to South Louisiana. There, he began a second, equally impactful career in broadcasting and media. For nearly five decades, his voice became a familiar and trusted presence across radio and television in Acadiana. He played a key role in the early development of KADN-TV (FOX 15), helping guide it from its beginnings into a major regional media outlet, and later contributed to the launch of KLAF-UPN 17.

Dave’s love for the arts never wavered. In 1976, he co-founded the Abbey Players, helping build one of the most successful community theater groups in the south. As a writer, actor, director, and producer, he brought countless productions to life and made theater accessible and beloved throughout the region. In 2002, he founded the Woodlawn Players, where he continued to create, direct, and co-write original works, including the widely celebrated “Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s Wedding", “This Magic Moment", “Jukebox Jack” and other productions. His contributions earned him recognition as Acadiana’s Favorite Actor in 2004.

Beyond his professional career, Dave was preceded in death by his father, Casey Pierce; his mother, Nellie Marceaux Pierce; and his sister, Russi Pierce Tiller.

He is survived by his son, J.D. Pierce; his daughter, Michelle Pierce Campisi and her husband Kevin Campisi; and his longtime partner, Sarah Fox. He also leaves behind countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and admirers whose lives were enriched by his voice, vision, and storytelling.

For nearly 50 years, Dave Pierce’s voice could be heard across the airwaves—but his true legacy lives on in the stories he told, the stages he built, the lives he touched, and the community he helped shape. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

I lieu of flowers Dave’s Family has asked that donations be made to The Abbey Players Community Theatre 200 S. State St. Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-2442.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, LA (337) 893-4661.