Merrill Gene “Redeye” Pierce, 67, died Saturday, June 27, at Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue.

Redeye was born Aug. 21, 1941 in Davenport, Iowa, to Charles and Eva Pierce. He was raised in Redmond and attended Lake Washington High School. In 1959, following high school, Redeye joined the United States Navy. He served his country for three years; his last duty assignment being aboard the USS Wilkinson.

After his honorable discharge in 1961, Redeye returned to the Seattle area where he became a certified Volkswagen mechanic. He lived in Issaquah briefly before settling in North Bend in 1970. Redeye went on to drive truck for many years at Santana Trucking.

In 1983, Redeye met his future wife, Joan Teeter. On Nov. 7, 1998, they were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In 2006, Redeye retired from Glacier Northwest, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator.

A history buff and World War II enthusiast, Redeye also enjoyed World War II stories, planes and ships. Redeye is remembered by his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather who possessed a contagious personality and a huge heart. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back to those in need.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Joan Teeter of North Bend; children, Charles Roy Pierce and Matthew Adam Pierce of Snoqualmie, Vincent Gene Pierce of Seattle, and Jake Richard Pierce of North Bend; siblings, Richard Pierce of Seattle, Jacqueline Hampton of North Bend, Butch Pierce of Hobart, and Tim Pierce of Omak; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.

The family suggests remembrances to your favorite charity.

A celebration of Merrill’s life will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home.

Friends are invited to view photos, get directions and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.