David Middleton Pearsall

His loving family includes his wife of 62 years, Sally Heltzel Pearsall; his daughters, Sally Pearsall Ericson (Brent) and Susan Middleton Pearsall (Marc Fusco); his four grandchildren, Emily and David Ericson and Jane and Laura Fusco; his sister, LeNoir Sills; his nephew and niece, Bryan Sills and Kelly Sills Gaines; his sisters-in-law, Jeanie Lindsey (David) and Margaret Nash (Luis), and their children, Heather Hettinger (Ed), Meg Brown (Charlie), David Nash, Fred Nash (Fabio), and Georgia Nash (Malik); numerous cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews; and other relatives.

David, a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, was born on March 22, 1937, and grew up in Rocky Mount, N.C., as a lifelong and devoted Tar Heel fan. He distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete at a young age, becoming a two-time winner of the state junior tennis championship. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, where he was named Most Outstanding Athlete. He was awarded tennis scholarships at Davidson College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning Bachelor’s of Science degrees from each, and helping his teams win Southeastern Conference Championships.

After a brief stint in the military, he moved to Mobile in 1961 to work for International Paper Co. He was a charter member of the Mirror Lake Racquet Club, where he played tennis and won championships for many years. Later, he joined the Country Club of Mobile, where he played tennis and enjoyed socializing for more than 30 years.

He was a generous financial supporter of the arts community, and enjoyed attending performances and receptions with Mobile Opera, the Mobile Symphony, the Mobile Theatre Guild, the Joe Jefferson Playhouse, and Chickasaw Civic Theater.

He was a longtime, faithful member of Government Street Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Deacon, and usher, and performed with the Handbell Choir for more than 30 years. His volunteer work at the church included serving breakfast in the Coffee Club ministry; welcoming guests to his home with the Christmas International House; delivering Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years; and assisting with the Family Promise ministry. He loved his church family, and he loved his time in worship each week.

Nothing gave him more pride than watching his four grandchildren in action, from sports to performances to graduations. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and going to the shooting range with his grandson, David. He was very proud to attend Jane’s commencement ceremony at Appalachian State University, and he delighted in Laura’s beautiful artwork. The night before he died, he went to see his eldest grandchild, Emily, perform with her rock band.

Now that he has claimed his reward, his family likes to imagine him reliving his happiest times. In his North Carolina youth, he often went deep-sea fishing in Atlantic Beach with his father. He loved cheering on the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, and was there to see Dean Smith win his National Championships in New Orleans in 1982 and 1993. He was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan, and even bought stock in the team on Sally’s behalf. He was an avid bridge player (and if he wanted to trump something, he would always use an ace). He was always happy to spend time at the Country Club, either on the court or off, surrounded by his many friends.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 10 a.m. at Government Street Presbyterian Church, 300 Government Street in downtown Mobile. The family will receive friends at the reception in Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to GSPC in his memory.