Bill Pearce pioneering radio broadcaster and founder of the Nightsounds radio program, died February 23, 2010. He was 83. Nightsounds board chairman, Richard Dean said that Bill died at Legacy Assisted Living Retirement Community in Xenia, Ohio from complications of Parkinson's disease.Bill Pearce was born May 20, 1926 in Carlisle, PA into a religious and musical family. Bill's father, Rowan was a Methodist minister that had his own daily radio program, Christian Voices, in the Philadelphia area. On this early radio program, Bill's mother, Almeda played the piano and sang, Bill and his brother, Rowan Jr. and sister, Jeanne played in a brass trio. Bill started playing the trombone at 10 years of age.Bill followed in his father's footsteps both in ministry and service to our country. Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps just after World War II started. After boot camp and jungle training Bill expected to serve in the Pacific theater until he auditioned for The Bob Crosby's Marine Corps band. Bill Pearce entertained Navy and Marine Corps troops until his discharge.After the war Bill settled in Chicago and attended the Moody Bible Institute until he was hired to work at Moody's flag ship station, WMBI. In his 25 years he moved up from his entry-level position to Staff Announcer, Special Events Director and finally his duties included vocal and trombone performances on numerous radio programs.Bill's ministry included vocal and trombone recordings with Dick Anthony, The Melody Four Quartet and The 16 Singing Men plus numerous solo sacred music albums. Throughout his years of ministry, Bill was also invited to and featured musically at various crusades with Dr. Billy Graham.In the 60's Bill, while at WMBI, hosted a late night radio program called "Nightwatch". In the 70's, Bill founded Bill Pearce Associates and started syndicating "Nightsounds". Today Nightsounds is broadcast each weeknight on more than 300 radio outlets across the country, Canada and overseas. Because the Nightsounds radio audience spans three generations, the program is structured to remain on the air for many years, reaching thousands each night. Bill's ministry will continue not only with Nightsounds, but through vocal and instrumental recordings and his published writings. In 1992, Bill was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in recognition of his many accomplishments in radio broadcasting.Legend has it that the band leader of the Tonight Show, Doc Severinson, was once asked who was one of the best trombonists he knew. His reply: Bill Pearce.Bill's family and friends were at his bedside during his final days and hours.Bill is survived by six children: sons, Bryan, Glenn and Randy; daughters, Marcia Johnson, Laurie Spejcher, and Shannon Johnson, fourteen grandchildren, a brother, Rowan Pearce, Jr. sister-in-law Jeanne Pearce and a brother-in-law Paul Hopkins. Bill's dear sister Jeanne Hopkins past away in November of 2009. Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial gifts and condolences can be sent to: Nightsounds, P O Box 29, Wheaton, IL 60187 or to www.NeeldFuneralHome.com. If you need further information contact Jean Brown, Nightsounds Excutive Director, 815-874-2222