Pawleys Island: Samuel Morton Pierce, Jr., 76, died Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his home in Pawleys Island with his wife and son at his side. His death was caused by Parkinson's Disease and resulting complications aggravated by Agent Orange. Born in Wilmington, NC on May 29, 1945, Sammy was the first born and only son of Samuel Morton Pierce, Sr. and Mary Etta White Pierce. Raised a country boy in the Ringle Heights area of Georgetown County, he graduated in 1963 from Winyah High School. Unable to secure a job in the 1960s, Sammy joined the US Marine Corp on the Buddy Plan with his friend J. D. Gaultney. Experiencing live fire in Santo Domingo during May 1965, he was then shipped to Viet Nam (1965-1966) where he participated in front-line jungle warfare and was decorated "For Valor with Palm" along with a total of seven other medals including two separate Good Conduct medals during his four years of military service. Upon Sgt. Pierce's honorable discharge from the Corp he was hired by International Paper Company (Power House) of Georgetown where he exhibited a strong and dedicated work ethic. His work became his favorite pastime and he adopted his crew mates as his "work family". Sam Pierce loved people and loved being around people. He retired from IP .after more than 40 years of employment. Sammy was a proud citizen of the South Carolina Low Country enjoying the local woods and salt water areas. He closely followed the winds and tides at North Inlet, McClellanville and Pawleys Island Creek. Over the years his hobbies included playing poker with his buddies, growing his own "home grown" tomatoes, hunting with his dog, gigging a flounder, crabbing with his grandchildren, enjoying Perleau Fridays and sharing tall tales. Sam Pierce was always ready with a quick witticism or memorable quip. He will be quoted and his stories retold for years to come. Sammy was a lifetime member of the VFW and the DAV as well as a member of the Sons of the Confederacy. He was of the Lutheran faith. He leaves to cherish his memory, retell his jokes and share his stories, his wife of 53 years: Doreatha Prosser Pierce; his son Samuel Austin Pierce (Stephanie) of Charleston; his grandchildren who named him "Pops": Samuel Pate Pierce, Michael Austin Pierce and Kadee Elizabeth Pierce, all of Australia; and Rebecca Hair of Charleston; two sisters-in-law: Gloria B. Prosser and Kasandra P. Doughty (Henry); one sister, Shasta P. Brewer of McConnells, SC and a Perleau Friday buddy, Barry Price. Funeral services will be Sunday afternoon, July 18, 2021, at two o'clock at the Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends following the service at the cemetery. Sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of Flowers, Consider honoring Sammy Pierce by sharing a good story and making someone laugh. This would surely please him. He would certainly wish to be present and a part of the conversation and conviviality.