Longtime Statesboro city attorney Sam Leonard Brannen passed away Thursday at Ogeechee Area Hospice, and friends remembered him fondly Friday as they mourned his passing.Brannen battled health issues including lung cancer, but worked in his private law offices as well as serving the City of Statesboro.“He battled illness for many years,” said Statesboro Mayor Joe Brannen. “He will be sadly missed. Sam always wanted to be in the office working.”Fellow attorney Charles Brown reminisced about visiting with Brannen in both his and Brannen’s offices throughout the years.