James "Ricky" Pierson, 73, of New Madrid, passed away May 20, 2021 at the New Madrid Nursing Center in New Madrid.

Ricky was born November 16,1947 in Hickman, KY., to the late Charles Bilderback and Billie June Black.

On September 7, 2016 he was united in marriage to Leslie Pierson, who survives of the home.

In addition to his wife Leslie, he is also survived by; one son, Joseph Chappell of Dexter, Missouri, two sisters, Cathey Jackson of Matthews, Missouri and Diedre Pipkin of New Madrid, two brothers, Mark Bilderback of Doe Run, Missouri and Tony Bilderback of Matthews, Missouri and four grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.