Former Florence Mayor Honored As Florence 1 Schools Distinguished Graduate

Former Mayor Joe W. “Rocky” Pearce Jr. — whose fingerprints are on much of Florence’s development from the past 40 years — was honored for his accomplishments at the annual School Foundation Gala for Florence 1 Schools.

Hundreds gathered to raise money for The School Foundation and to celebrate Pearce, whose resume includes being the youngest mayor in Florence’s history, chairing the county’s economic development board and running a national insurance agency, among many other things.

Jean Leatherman, who introduced Pearce, said the longtime civic leader dedicated himself to his community and has “woven a tapestry” of service over the years.

In his remarks, Pearce said receiving the honor of being this year’s Florence 1 Schools Distinguished Graduate wasn’t in the cards when he graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1970.

The night included Pearce’s remarks, a short play sketching out his story and speakers from across the country who congratulated Pearce in a video message.

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