FRANKLIN, VA. - Charles Gilbert Pearce, 70, died July 6, 2010 at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Franklin County, a son of the late Urban Turner and Pauline House Pearce. He was predeceased by brothers, Urban Lynn Pearce and Joe Pearce.

He attended Franklin Baptist Church and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Castalia. He was a graduate of East Carolina College. He was a health and physical education teacher, head basketball coach, athletic director and assistant principal in the Franklin County School System from 1967 to 1997. He was a member of the Bronco Boosters Club, and in 1972 was chosen to coach the East squad in the Virginia State High School East-West Boys Basketball All-Star game.

Surviving: wife, Peggy Cash Pearce; son, Christopher Charles Pearce (Beth Ann) of Suffolk, Va.; sisters, Louise P. Jeffreys of Louisburg, Carolyn P. Strange of Cary, Peggy P. Tucker of Raleigh; brother, Bob Pearce of Raleigh; three grandchildren.

The funeral service was Thursday, July 8, in the chapel of Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, Va., with the Rev. Sharon James officiating.

Burial was Friday, July 9 at Oak Level Christian Church Cemetery, in Youngsville with the Rev. Dr. A. Richard Childress officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Va., 23060-9979.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org