Pierce Neese, Former Bank of Woodstock CEO, Passes Away

The following obituary was submitted by Darby Funeral Home:

Pierce T. Neese, 73, of Canton passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at Antioch Christian Church in Canton. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Jasper, GA. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday Jan. 17 at Darby Funeral Home.

Neese was born on March 19, 1940, in Woodstock to Doc and Kizzar Neese. He met his soul mate, Patsy Hunt in 1956 and they were married on Sept. 25, 1959.  

Pierce and Patsy were married 54 glorious years. He was a member of Antioch Christian Church and a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Pierce was well known throughout Cherokee County as a long time local banker. His banking career spanned 50 years, with 24 years serving as President and CEO of Etowah Bank. He enjoyed playing golf every chance he got, and had even played multiple times in Ireland, Scotland, and even a round at Augusta National.

He is survived by his wife Patsy Neese of Canton; sons Steve Neese (married to Lori) of Acworth, and Jeff Neese (married to Becky) of Canton and daughter Jade Neese Bergdoll (married to Allan) of Canton.  

He is also survived by his grandchildren Timothy Neese, Christopher Neese, Bradley Sales, Daniel Sales, Justin Neese, Jeffery Neese, Alyssa Bergdoll and Kaylin Bergdoll.  He is also survived by his great-granddaughter Braelyn Neese, and a second granddaughter on the way.

Editor's note: Neese also served as the CEO of United Security Bank's Woodstock branch (which went by the name of Bank of Woodstock) until 2009.