Michael Odea Pierce

Michael Odea Pierce, 74, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. He was born in Abbeville, Louisiana on April 21, 1951, son of Malcolm G. and Anna Lou (Abshire) Pierce. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and youngest son William (Buddy) Pierce. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lavada (Hamilton/Kotulla) Pierce, his son Michael (Butch) Pierce of Alaska, his siblings Marie Pierce (Bob Robinson) of North Little Rock and James (Charlene) Pierce of Little Rock, grandchildren Mason and Max Pierce, Rylee Flanagan, and Kaylee Manning (Dalton) of Louisiana, and his son and daughter of the heart Devon and Emily Flanagan of Louisiana.

Mike attended Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic School in Little Rock where he made lifelong friends. He graduated from Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock in 1969. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Presidential Flight Detachment and Military Personnel Office at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from 1971-1973. He completed his military service at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas in 1974. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He began his accounting career with Baton Rouge Water Works and Allied Chemical in Louisiana. In the 1980s he went to work for the Arkansas Attorney General’s office as an accountant for utility litigation. Mike joined the nonprofit organization, New Futures for Little Rock Youth, in the early 1990s. He found his calling with New Futures and was an advocate for youth and youth organizations until his retirement.

Mike was a devoted husband, proud father, loving brother, beloved uncle, and loyal friend. His favorite and most treasured title was “Pops”. He cherished the time spent with his grandkids swimming at the lake, exploring the outdoors, and playing competitive games of Aggravation and Uno. He will be deeply missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. Mike enjoyed golfing with his buddies and was excited to make two holes-in-one during his lifetime (holes #4 and #16 on Ponce de Leon Golf Course in Hot Springs Village). He also enjoyed fishing, trail walking, exploring the outdoors, and road trips with his wife. He was an avid reader and loved working crossword puzzles. Mike was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in preparing special meals for family and friends. He always made sure there was a big batch of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies around when the grandkids came to visit.

A memorial celebration of Mike’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may consider supporting organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Our rescue pets brought Mike much joy throughout the years.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com