Judge Franklin H. Pierce dies at 85

AUGUSTA - Superior Court Judge Franklin H. Pierce, who had served on the bench since 1972, died Tuesday at his home. He was 85. <br> <br> Pierce, a graduate of Augusta Junior College, now Augusta State University, passed the bar in 1937 and began practicing law in Augusta, following in the footsteps of his father. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and in 1949 become Richmond County attorney, a post he held for 23 years. <br> <br> Pierce served 18 years as a full-time judge in the Augusta Circuit before assuming ``senior status&#39;&#39; and continued to preside as needed until his death, Chief Judge William M. Fleming Jr. said. <br> <br> ``He was dedicated to his work. He enjoyed having an office to go to, and he was in his office practically every day,&#39;&#39; Fleming said.