Raynor Dale Pearce

May 27, 1936 - August 7, 2021

 
 



Raynor Dale Pearce, father, husband and grandfather, was born to David Reese Pearce & Nola Lunt Pearce on May 27, 1936. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family and friends on August 7, 2021. Raynor, the oldest of 4 children, was born in Cedar City, Utah and was raised in the town of Beaver, Utah. He spent the majority of his time there developing a love for athletics, hunting and fishing. He excelled in high school football along with track and field. After graduating, he accepted a full ride athletic scholarship to Brigham Young University where he studied physical education. He attended from 1954 -1958 and became a "First Conference" halfback and leading scorer for the football team. He also competed in the low meter hurdles and broad jump for the track & field team.

After college, he received his teaching certificate and became the head football/track & field coach for North Summit High School in Coalville, Utah. Afterwards, he did the same role for Bingham High School. The last thirty years of his teaching and coaching career were spent at Hillcrest High School in Midvale, Utah. There his determination and competitive drive led the boy's track team to 4 state championships and the boy's cross country team to 2 state championships. His accolades earned him an induction in the Utah Coaching Hall of Fame in 1999. In retirement, he found a love for the game of golf. At age 70, he was still a 'scratch golfer' and even had 2 hole-in-ones. His personal golf cart followed him to the courses 5 times a week.

Raynor had a charismatic personality and had the gift of making everyone laugh. He would be the first one to laugh at his own jokes and was usually the last as well. He was often brought to tears by his own obscene and repetitive humor. Nothing made him happier or more proud than encouraging and teaching his students, children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. Raynor leaves his wife of 44 years, Janet Buck; 5 children - Kimberly, Gregory, Derek, Jason (Will), Tyler (Elise), and 6 grandchildren - Brodie, Connor, Hayden, Parc, Maverick and Hazel. Preceded in death by: David Lynn Pearce (brother) Rose Marie Pearce (sister) Survived by: His sister Madge Pearce Easton (Robert).

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 13th at 12:00 PM at the Goff Mortuary located at 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:45-11:45 AM at the mortuary prior to the service. Burial at Larkin Cemetery, Sandy. Luncheon to follow at the church pavilion located at 949 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah 84094.

Lynette Easton Fowler
August 14 at 1:34 AM My Uncle Raynor, my mom's brother, passed away last Saturday evening. We celebrated his life and legacy today at his funera l and I was grateful to have the privilege of saying the closing prayer. Not only was he an amazing athlete (BYU football and track) and coach (inductee into the Utah Coaches Hall of Fame), he was a devoted husband and father. His children gave him a wonderful tribute today and I'm so glad I could be a part of it! We love you and love your family!

Vaughn Silcox
August 12, 2021 7:08 PM
I remember him doing the driving portion of my drivers ed. We did it on Saturday morning and he let us drive to Coalville. We stopped at a little cafe and he bought us hot chocolate. He told us that he did his student teaching at the high school there. Good guy.

Roger Crittenden
August 12, 2021 5:43 PM
Roger Crittenden August 12, 2021 I would like to pay tribute to Coach Pearce as I played football for him in 1959 at North Summit High School. He came and looked me up at my summer job introduced himself told me what he expected of us as a team. Even after years every time he would see me he would say Critt how are you doing. I will always be thankful and appreciative of what he did for me and the influence he was upon me. I have many fond memories of him. May he RIP and sincerest condolences to the family.

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