Pierce Remington Barger

Pierce Barger, 24, left this world far too soon, leaving behind a family and community who will forever cherish the joy, presence, and light he brought into their lives.

Born and raised in Central Florida, Pierce grew up in the close-knit Berington Club community, where neighbors became extended family. He attended Wilson Elementary, Sanford Middle School, and graduated from Seminole High School.

As a boy, Pierce spent his time outdoors, staying active, exploring, and enjoying the simple freedom of childhood. His love for challenge and the outdoors led him to Boy Scouts, where he completed the Philmont Scout Ranch trek-an intense month-long wilderness backpacking expedition through New Mexico and Colorado.

As he grew older, Pierce developed a passion for building and working with his hands. After graduation, he spent time living in a historic New England community, where he installed luxury pools throughout the region. He later returned to Central Florida, gaining experience on high-end home renovation projects in the Winter Park area before launching his own renovation business. In recent months, residents throughout Berington Club welcomed him into their homes, trusting him with projects as he began building his future.

Pierce had a natural ability to fit into any group he was part of. He was, as people often said, "one of the guys" wherever he went, with an easy, unbothered energy that made people feel at ease around him. Nothing seemed to rattle him, and he moved through life in a steady, go-with-the-flow way that helped others relax just by being near him.

Pierce often ended up as the comedic release in the spaces he was part of-family dynamics, friendships, and everyday situations where he had a way of shifting the energy into pure laughter in just seconds. Somehow, things around him didn't just stay moments. They became "remember when" stories that stuck. Ordinary situations would turn into running jokes people kept bringing up long after, shaped by his timing, his perspective, and the way he naturally lightened whatever room he was in.

Oh, and that smile! When it was real, you knew it immediately. It wasn't just a smile-it changed his whole face. His eyes lit up, his dimples showed, and the whole room felt it. It was the kind of smile that didn't need explanation, and once you saw it, you didn't forget it.

Beneath his easygoing nature was a thoughtful and introspective side. In quiet moments, he revealed a depth of thought and spiritual curiosity that often surprised people. He was quick to forgive, steady in his love for those closest to him, and he cared deeply about his friendships and could be shaped by the people he kept close, often valuing connection and belonging above everything else.

Within his church community, he found a profound sense of belonging. His baptism in the past year was one of the most meaningful moments of his life, something that stayed with him long after. In the weeks and months that followed, that joy didn't fade. It showed. He later shared with his mom that he kept trying to stop smiling, but he couldn't-his cheeks hurt so badly from smiling so much.

Pierce is preceded in death by his father, Stephen James Barger Jr.; his grandfather, Stephen James Barger Sr.; his grandmother, Karen Marcum; his grandmother, Rita Sue Miller; and his grandfather, David Miller.

He is survived by his mother, Cheryl Barger; his brothers, Ashton and Corbin; his sister, Lexington; his grandmother, Mary Ann Barger; his grandfather, Terry Marcum; his aunt and uncle, Donna and Bill Thrift; his uncle, Paul Miller; and many loving family members and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing and loved him.

Though his time here was far too short, Pierce lived with humor, faith, depth, and a spirit of adventure that shaped the way he moved through the world and left a lasting imprint on those who knew and loved him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23