Samuel "Sam" Pierce

Samuel (Sam) Jefferis Pierce, ardent follower of Jesus, went home to the Lord in the early hours of August 18, 2025 after a 19-month battle with Stage 4 cancer.

Sam was born to William (Bill) and Patricia (Patty) Pierce in Indianapolis, IN on May 5,1977. Three years after Sam’s birth, his younger brother, Lucas (Luke) Pierce was added to the family. Sam and Luke were side by side most of their growing up years, stirring up trouble in the back row at church and bonding over shared interests. Their relationship deepened again after the passing of their father in 2023. To Sam’s utmost joy, he baptized Luke in June of 2025.

Sam graduated from Franklin Central High School in 1995. He then attended Indiana State University, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 2000. Sam spent many years working in education, at IPS #114, Park Tudor and Sawmill Woods Elementary schools. Sam concluded his teaching career at the Indiana Department of Education. Sam entered into ministry at Southside Bible Church in 2008 where he diligently preached and shepherded the people at Crestwood Village South. His ministry at Crestwood continued on until 2024. In February 2017, Sam founded and became one of the Pastor-Elders of Foundation Life Bible Church where he served faithfully for 8 years. Sam and his wife, Melissa (Seibert) Pierce, met in a young adult small group at Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis. On July 2, 2006 Sam and Mel were united in marriage under the banner of Christ. Sam adored Melissa Marie. His willingness to rest and renew perfectly balanced Mel’s drive to move. Their life together was full of long walks and prayers for their people. Sam counted Melissa and their children (Noah Tyler Wood, Rhyan Grace and Lacey Elizabeth) as his greatest blessings from the Lord. They gave him immense joy. Whether it was a baseball game, a cheer competition or a theater production, Sam could be seen taking it all in with intensity. He loved seeing his children excel and use their gifts. On rare, free evenings you could catch them enjoying a game of pickleball. Sam’s constant made up songs, secret love of rom-coms and morning calls to ‘get up and at ‘em,” will be missed in their home.

Sam loved people. He is the kind of person you would ask “How are you today?” and find that you were somehow sharing your own heart by the end of the conversation. His spiritual gift of mercy allowed him to see people through the lens of Jesus in a remarkable way. Sam knew what was important in life. He did not faff about with idle talk. His conversations were deep, genuine and full of empathy. To Sam, every person was worth knowing and investing in. His legacy is embedded in the people he shepherded.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa (Seibert) Pierce; his son, Noah Wood; his daughters, Rhyan Grace and Lacey Elizabeth; his mother, Patricia (Patty) Pierce; his brother, Lucas (Shelley) Pierce; his sister-in-law, Julie (Josh) Mullins; and, his many nieces and nephews, Elliot, Reese, Oscar, Gage, Olive, and Lola. He is preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Pierce and brother-in-law Ryan Seibert.

Visitation will be at Doxa Bible Church in Indianapolis, IN from 3:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, August 22, 2025. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 beginning at 11:00am at Doxa Bible Church in Indianapolis, IN. A graveside service will be held following for immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

Sam’s dear friends and Croatian missionaries Mario and Jen Vučenović. Donations can be made to Foundation Life Bible Church via PayPal with the comment “Croatia” in the note section to ensure proper routing.

Johnson County Community Foundation c/o The Pastor Sam Pierce Fund. Donations to this Fund will provide scholarship support to young people pursing a calling to pastoral ministry. Follow the directions at the link provided. Include “Pastor Sam Pierce Fund” under Tribute Name to ensure proper routing.