Mr. Pierson was born on February 10, 1931, in Bebee, OK. As a dedicated law enforcement officer, Sam served as the Lewisville city marshall in 1968 and the Lafayette County deputy in 1980. Sam then served as the Lewisville chief of police from 1985 to 1998 and most recently as the Lafayette County sheriff from 2001 to 2002. He was extremely respected among his colleagues, and was a member of the Arkansas Sheriff's Association and the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

In addition to his remarkable achievements in public service, Sam Pierson also served his country. He was a veteran of the Korean war, where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He was also a member of the Oklahoma National Guard 45th Division and a member of the American Legion.

I am deeply saddened by the death of Sam Pierson. His passing will leave a void in Lafayette County, the city of Lewisville, and in the lives of his family and many friends. While Mr. Pierson may no longer be with us, his spirit and legacy will live on forever in the lives he touched.

My most heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Maebell Pierson; their 3 sons, George and wife Mary Ann Pierson, John and wife Billie Joe Pierson, and Joe and wife Sheila Pierson; their 3 daughters, Kay and husband Hoppy Higgins, Linda and husband Wayne Etue, and Samantha and husband Michael Henry; his 3 brothers, Jimmy Milligan, Doug Milligan, and Charles Milligan; his 4 sisters, Daisy Neff, Georgia Cox, Vadia Ross, and Barbara Muntz; his 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.