Sam Paul Pepe, age 89, a resident of Bogalusa, passed away on Dec. 1 at the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe.

A Bogalusa legend, Mr. Pepe was born June 29, 1919. He retired from Crown-Zellerbach in 1980. He was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church, American Legion, American Cancer Society, Relay For Life and an Italian-American Club Member.

He was honored in 2007 as a Lumberjack All-Pro Football Legend.

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Pepe was a much-decorated WWII Veteran. He served his Country 790 days in the combat zone. He was a member of the 105th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, the only such unit to receive a Presidential Unit Citation.

He enjoyed gardening, cooking and giving to others. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend to many.

All who knew him loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Dianne P. Earles of Bogalusa; his son, Paul (Carol) Pepe of Huntsville, Ala.; nine grandchildren: Kimberly Earles Hinson of Mandeville, April Earles Hodges of Madisonville, Joshua James Pepe of Huntsville, Ala., Jefferson Pepe of Huntsville, Ala., Joshua Paul Pepe of Montgomery, Ala., Jessica Pepe Hall of Huntsville, Ala., Johnathan Pepe of Mobile, Ala., Joseph Pepe of Huntsville, Ala. and Jordan Pepe of Huntsville, Ala.; four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and a very special, dear and close friend, Tony Gambino of Bogalusa.

Visitation will be Saturday at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel at Noon. Father Patrick Collum will officiate with interment to follow at the Magic City American Legion Veterans Cemetery with a full military graveside service by the Louisiana Army National Guard 205th Engineering.