Salvador Armando Mier

Sal leaves an amazing legacy that all started in Amarillo, Tx when two 19 year old kids met at a party. From that first dance, Sal Mier and Grace Martinez knew that they would be forever together. “Gracie,” as Sal fondly referred to her, was the love of his life. We have never witnessed a spiritual connection as strong as theirs. Out of this love, came their Familia. Familia is home base for all of us. We grew up knowing we were there for each other through thick or thin, good or bad - always. When one hurts, we all hurt. When one is successful, we are all so proud. This is something felt from oldest to the youngest in our Familia. We all have a unique unbreakable bond that cannot be fathomed by many.

Sal was born on October 28, 1941 to Emma Mier and Salvador Mier, Sr in San Antonio, TX. Sal attended Burbank high school and always stayed true to his South Side San Antonio roots. He was very proud of his heritage.

After graduating High School in 1959, Sal enlisted in the Air Force. During his tour of duty, a proud accomplishment was his position in the USAF Security Service as a Morse Code Operator - or as we knew it – a “Ditty-Bopper.” We heard countless stories of his time in Trabzon, Turkey where it was their job to intercept Russian transmissions. He remained friends with many in his troop and communicated with them on a regular basis.

When it was time to get home to the States, his commander said “Sal, you are going back to Texas.” Excitedly, Sal thought San Antonio. When he got his orders, they were to go to Amarillo, Tx. Not exactly close to San Antonio, but it was meant to be, as he was soon to meet his “Gracie.”

Salvador Mier and Grace Martinez married in December of 1961. They had 5 children and a combination of 20 grand, great and great-great grandchildren. Sal loved his family intensely and was so proud of each and every one.

Gracie held down the fort taking care of their two oldest babies and working. This while also putting Dad through school at the University of New Mexico where he earned Bachelor degrees in Economics and Psychology.

Upon Graduation from College, Sal had a long and impressive career with Center for Disease Control (CDC) from 1967-1994. This would take the family from Albuquerque to New Orleans, back to Albuquerque, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Little Rock, Arkansas and finally, Midlothian, Texas where they raised their 5 children.

Sal had a love of music and dancing.  We have countless videos of him dancing.  He had the moves!  He was outgoing and loved talking with people of different backgrounds and cultures. He was always able to find a personal connection with everyone he met.  He touched lives everywhere he went.

Sal loved his Country. He was a staunch advocate for a clean and safe environment. He stood up for injustice, protesting and writing letters to anyone who would listen. He and Gracie engrained these concepts into their children and grandchildren and they will carry on his legacy.

Sal was an avid storyteller. Countless times family gathered around to sit and listen. Sal and Gracie loved to travel and soaked it all up. One of Sal’s favorite trips was when he and Gracie went to Spain and taught local Spanish-speaking students English. He recalls this trip with such fondness.  Sal made friends all over the world! He wants his children and grandchildren to travel, explore and learn from other cultures.

Sal leaves an amazing legacy that will live on through his Familia and all lives he has touched. He is survived by his loving wife Gracie; daughter Lorraine Mayes and husband Allen; son Robert and wife Tracy; son Steven, daughter Cathy Cole and husband David; daughter Stacy Dockins and husband Dave; loving grandchidren: Robby Mier, Alex Mayes, Kiley Mier, Connor Mayes, Jake Dockins, Andrew Mier, Maddi Cole, Kera Dockins, Molly Mayes, Luke Dockins, Camille Cole, Matt Mier, Caia McCormick, Cooper Cole, Penny McCormick. Great granddaughters Shaylor Moore and Remi Mier. Great grandson Kaden Mier. Great Great granddaughter Lennora Mae Schmidt.

Sal is preceded in death by Grandmother Annie Herrera, Grandfather Napoleon Herrera, Mother Emma, Father Salvador, Brother Bobby, Great Grandson Rockford Ray Mier.

To Sal, Dad, Papa – You lived your life to the fullest even while you battled Leukemia.  We are so proud of you and how valiantly you fought.  We know you are now pain free and happy, dancing and watching over us. We are all looking for your signs. We know you are all around us. We will continue to show you the world through our eyes.  We feel you! We love you with all of our hearts.

Our Lion is at rest.