John William Firestone, a beloved husband, father and grandfather of McKinney, Texas passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the age of 82. He was born to John Alfred and Lavena (Pierce) Firestone on July 12, 1941 in Centralia, Illinois. Later they moved to Oklahoma City where he spent his childhood years.
During his teens, Johnny lived and worked for his favorite uncle and mentor, Bill Pierce, who he regarded as a father. He graduated from Sunset High School in 1959. Although he met his wife Peggy Clements during these high school years, they each went on with their own lives. John received his bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas at the School of Business. They reconnected and married on August 7, 1976.
His career started at the age of 17 during the summers working in the hot Texas warehouse where he went on to become CEO and part owner of Pierce Chemical/Royal Bond and Pierce Mortuary Colleges. He was deeply involved with all aspects of the business and a member of many industry associations. Johnny took pride in the fact that he had worked at the family company for his entire professional life spanning 6 decades.
Very active in the community, he was a true Dallasite and was proud to call it home. In his free time, John was an avid golfer. Some of his favorite Saturdays were spent on the golf course with his friends at Oak Cliff Country Club where he served as president for 2 terms. He loved watching his Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Mavericks and Stars and even until his last days, he was cheering them on with grandkids.
He and Peggy enjoyed countless trips around the world with their close friends and shared wonderful memories. When they were home, his dogs over the years brought him love and laughter as well as being a big part of his life. His friends were many and he had them everywhere he went whether Dallas, Southlake or McKinney. Spending time with them eating and joking filled his years.
As for his family, we will remember him as an encouraging, kind and selfless person who was always there to guide and advise, taking care of everyone. He was eager to be a part of whatever his children and grandchildren were involved in. From work to sports to school activities, his calendar was filled with them all. Johnny showed up for everything. What a good, Godly example he set as he continued the cycle and became mentor to us all. He knew he was going to Heaven for eternity, which brings us all peace knowing we will be together again soon.
He is survived by those he was so proud of his wife, Peggy Firestone, children: Melissa Harrison (Bill), Michele Hamilton (Russell), and Jill Kopinski (Ted). He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Brandtley Hopkins (Amber), Nathan Harrison, Caitlyn Cozart, Carlee Calhoun (Cody), Cooper Cozart, Parker Kopinski, Pierce Kopinski, Stacey Kopinski, and Jack Kopinski. He was also blessed with 3 great grandchildren: Brody Hopkins, Forrest Finlay and Sage Kopinski as well as a host of other loving family and friends and his sweet hot mess of a dog, Gracie. She will certainly miss his lap! John was preceded in death by his parents, Lavena Perkins and Alfred Firestone, and grandson Colby Cozart, as well as several dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., May 22, 2024 at White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.