Sam (Sammy Joe) Pierce, a San Saba native and member of the class of 1954 passed away Monday, June 28 at Anaheim, California after an extended illness.

Mr. Pierce was a Navy veteran attached to air-traffic control.

A grave side service with full military honors was held in Anaheim on June 29th. His young granddaughter read a special poem about the meaning of the "Stars and Stripes."

He is survived by his wife, three sons, one sister, Janette Martin Linder and one brother, Randall Pierce.

Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his parents and one son.