Billy Dean Pearson was born on August 26, 1927 to the late Andrew Jackson Pearson and Maudie Mills Pearson in Louisville, MS. He was the youngest of their five children, having 2 brothers and 2 sisters (Willis Pearson, Hervie Pearson, Lila Bray, and Maxine Smith). He graduated from Ford High School and entered the Army in 1946, serving in the Japanese occupation before being discharged in 1949. He joined the National Guard and, much to his surprise, was deployed to Korea, serving from 1951 until 1952. During his service he received the Bronze Star along with several other service medals.
Upon his return from Korea he faced an even larger challenge: the courtship of Melva Marvaline Crowson. Once again proving himself in battle, he overcame the odds, and they were married on May 15, 1954. Their union produced three sons in short order: Andrew (Sally), Philip (Mary), and Charles (Penny). The challenges of raising these three made the WWII and Korean conflicts pale in comparison. Once again Billy and Melva triumphed, sending these three into the unsuspecting world.
More than anything, Billy loved his wife and sons. His love for family grew to include more girls as his boys married. He had a special fondness for his grandchildren and, later, his great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated member of First Methodist Church. He was also active in the Emmaus Community and truly loved his Lord.
He was very good with his hands and began to do more and more wood working as he grew older. His handy work is a treasured legacy for many.
Billy lived a long, varied, and fruitful life and no one was more surprised by his long life than Billy himself !!
He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his wife. He is survived by his 3 sons, his 10 grandchildren (Susan, Bess, Matthew, Carole, Kathryn, Hope, John, Charles, Reed, and Cody), and 18 (and counting!) great-grandchildren.
He will be missed !!!
