William Richard Pearson

He was born on April 9th, 1949 in Dunn, NC to the late Richard Lafayette Pearson and Annette H. Pearson.

Rick attended West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte and graduated with the class of 1967. The summer following graduation, he went on to attend Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA and was a proud graduate of the class of 1968.

Rick went straight from Hargrave to the Army and courageously served two tours in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5 after his father’s unexpected passing in 1971.

Upon his return home to Charlotte, Rick ambitiously went on to attend Central Piedmont Community College where he studied various subjects.

As a devoted member of Mulberry Presbyterian Church, Rick took pride in helping maintain the church grounds. It was not a job he was paid to do – he just enjoyed helping others and giving back to the church he loved so much.

Rick’s biggest passion and his most loved hobby was all things NASCAR and he particularly loved Jeff Gordon. He collected notebooks and newspaper articles about races from his youth all the way up until his passing. He was also an avid sports fan. He especially loved the UNC Tarheels, Appalachian State Mountaineers, and the Carolina Panthers.

His family remembers him as honest, compassionate, and trustworthy; the kind of person anyone would be lucky to know.

Rick is survived by his sister, Robin P. Wilson and her husband, William Jesse Wilson; his brother, Darrell Warren Pearson; five nieces and nephews; eleven great nieces and nephews; two great-great nieces; and one great-great nephew due on his birthday in April.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annette H. Pearson; his father, Richard Lafayette Pearson; and his sister, Allison Bidez Williams.

To honor Rick’s wishes, there will be no services held. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting StJude.org or by mailing a check or money order to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The Pearson family would like to thank Rick’s friends for staying in touch with him, not only during his mother’s illness, but also during his own. His spirits were always lifted after talking or being with them. A special thanks to lifelong friends Jerry Lyles, Johnny Beatty, Tommy Beacham, Danny Horne, Monie Phillips Bean, Ronnie and Karen Williamson, and Sandra Howard Rhyne. Over the years, your friendships meant the world to Rick, especially after the death of his mother in September.