Walter was born in Henderson, NC on March 3, 1923 to Marion Martin and John Gray Pearson. He grew up in South Hill, Virginia and graduated from South Hill High School in 1940. He received a two year business degree from Smithdeal-Massey Business School before joining the Army and entering WWII in January, 1943. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond and went on to Veterinary School at the University of Georgia. Walter received his veterinary license in June, 1953.
Walter married Mary Bryan Taylor Pearson in 1954, and she joined him in his veterinary practice in Emporia, Virginia. In 1961, he and his wife moved to Raleigh, NC where he began a 28 year career with the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture at Rollins Animal Disease Lab specializing in veterinary virology.
Walter was a kind, gentle man who was devoted to his family. He had a passion for sailing and being on the water. He loved music, played many instruments, and sang with school and church choirs. He lived his life with a generous heart.
Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary and his parents. Those left to honor his memory include his son, Thomas Bryan Pearson and wife Angie; daughter, Anne Martin Pearson Stoneham and husband Jim; grandchildren, Dylan Gray and Callie Taylor Stoneham, Caroline Grace and Anna Bryan Pearson. He is also survived by his brother and sister, William Thomas Pearson (Marian) and Sue Pearson Justis of South Hill, VA; Mary’s brother, Dr. William M. Taylor of Durham, NC.
The family will receive friends 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh 27605. A graveside service will be held Monday, April 14, 2014, 11:00 am at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary’s St., Raleigh.
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