A. J. Pierce

Albert James Pierce, “A Jay”, Jr. passed away Monday, March 25, 2013 at Memorial Hospital, Gulfport. As soon as A.J. turned 17, he quit high school to join the Navy during World War, II. He served as a fireman aboard an Air Craft Carrier. After the war he served 14 years in the Navy Reserves. AJ worked at The Daily Herald in the press room for over 40 years. He was a lifelong member of Handsboro United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert James Pierce, Sr. and Stella K. Schmidt; a brother, John F. Pierce. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne French Pierce, Gulfport and a daughter, Sugar Lee Surginer, both of Gulfport; a son, Lane M. Pierce of Mobile, AL; grandchildren, Mitchell L. Surginer (Chantelle) of Gulfport, Ashley L. Pierce of Mobile, Don Nguyen (Quahyn) of Warner Robins, GA; great-grandchildren, London Surginer and Sean Alley, both of Gulfport and Kaelyn Nguyen of Warner Robins; his brother, Carl L. Pierce(Millie) of Gulfport; and sister-in-law, Susie Pierce of Lively, VA. The visitation is Wednesday, March 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th street, Gulfport. The funeral service is Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Handsboro United Methodist Church in Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens in Long Beach. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Handsboro United Methodist Church Women, 2333 Demaret Drive, Gulfport, MS 39507. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.