In Loving Memory of Danny Lewis Pearce

The Franklin County Republican Party will miss a loyal, ardent leader. Former Franklin County Republican Chairman Danny Pearce passed away May 4, 2026.

The Franklin County Republican Party held a moment of silence during its May business meeting in remembrance.

Danny was born July 2, 1952 to the late Robert Pressley Pearce, Jr. and Lovie Blackley Pearce.

Danny was a 1970 graduate of Wakelon School in Zebulon. He worked in area businesses until he opened his own real estate office, Pearce Realty, Inc. in 1994.

In addition to his Republican Party service, Danny volunteered at Lake Royale for AMVets Post 201. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Franklin County Commissioner-at-Large. Danny was also a member of the Louisburg Moose Lodge # 2256.

Danny is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ophelia “Opie” Keeter Pearce; daughter, Katina Pearce Jenkins; sons: Jason P. Pearce (Amy) and Jeremy B. Pearce all of Sylvania, GA; step-son, David R. Daniel (Julianne) of Front Royal, VA; bonus-son, Michael Melillo; sister, Marie P. (Hinton) Williams (Danny); four grandsons: Austin and Justin Pearce, Christopher and Lucian Daniel; one granddaughter, Vittoria Ophelia Daniel; one nephew, Matthew Hinton; two great nieces: Presley Hinton and Harper Hinton; and one bonus great grandson, Bowen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a Son-in-Law, Allen Jenkins.

Read full obituary here.

The Franklin County Commissioners issued a Resolution in Memory of Commissioner Danny Pearce. The Resolution was read by Chair Roxanne Bragg during the County Commissioners May 2026 meeting.