Samuel Davis Pierce

Born to Vera Addie Waller and Samuel Davis Pierce in Oconee, GA, Sam, known affectionately to his family and friends as Bubba, dropped out of high school at age 17 to join the Navy and fight in the Pacific theatre on the USS Dewey. The Dewey saw 9 major battles (Makin, Majuro, Wajalein, Truk, Philippines, Guam, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Karama Rhetto) and survived the powerful Halsey’s typhoon.

Sam returned to Macon where he finished high school, later moving to Atlanta to work in the theater prior to becoming art director with Beck & Beck. He was a talented artist, photographer, and musician. Most of all he was a selfless man of great character and integrity, making significant sacrifices throughout his life to help others. Bubba was truly a member of The Greatest Generation exemplifying the values of this Great Nation for which he and so many others fought to preserve – honor, loyalty, integrity, hard work – significantly influencing those around him and earning their deep respect and admiration.

Sam had an incredibly positive outlook, never met a stranger, and kept a keen sense of humor even during his last days. As an example, three days prior to his passing he asked the person cleaning his room to avoid sweeping under his feet so, true to superstition, he could still be married.

His remaining family had the privilege of spending the last days and hours with this great and spry 97-year-old man who died peacefully in his sleep following a brief illness.

Sam is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Davis Pierce, beloved Mother, Vera Addie Waller, brother, Rudolph Eric Gay and loving wife Wilma Joyce Gay, and close friend Margaret Davis. He is survived by nieces and nephews who loved the man dearly and whom he cherished as if they were his own children: Samuel Christopher Gay and wife Dawn, Valerie Joyce Johnson, Eric Edward Gay and wife Linda, and Vera Gwendolyn Collins in addition to many great nieces and nephews and close friend Hubert Davis.

A graveside service for Samuel will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Pierce family.