Ross Clark Pearson Jr.

Ross “Clark” Pearson, Jr., 89, of Wilmington, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in hospice care surrounded by family and love.

Clark was born on May 19, 1936, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Ross Clark Pearson, Sr. and Thyra Hawkins Pearson. He graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1954, where he proudly played on the football team. He went on to attend Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi), earning his Bachelor of Science in Business in 1958. During college, he was an active member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the R.O.T.C. all four years.

Following graduation, Clark served his country honorably as a Second and First Lieutenant in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1958 to 1966. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Carol Helbig Pearson, the Brewmaster’s daughter from New Orleans. Their marriage of 66 years was filled with deep devotion, humor, and enduring love.

Clark began what would become a distinguished 37-year career with JCPenney, serving in leadership roles across Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He worked his way up from Department Manager to Assistant Store Manager, Southeast Region Sales Promotion Manager, and eventually Store Manager in both Wilmington, NC, and Memphis, TN.

He was especially proud to have met and spoken personally with Mr. James Cash Penney on three occasions before Mr. Penney’s passing in 1971—encounters that deeply inspired Clark’s career. When Clark was appointed as the first Store Manager of Wilmington’s new Independence Mall JCPenney in 1979, Mr. Penney’s legacy and words stayed with him. During his 11 years in Wilmington, Clark became deeply involved in the community—serving as President of the Wilmington Merchants Association, Vice Chairman of United Way, a member of the Seahawk Club Board of Directors, and a proud Wilmington Kiwanis Club member. In 1984, he earned the JCPenney Chairman’s Award for excellence in leadership.

In 1990, Clark was promoted to manage a larger JCPenney store in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served until his retirement in 1996 at age 60. The Pearsons then returned to Wilmington in 1997 to be closer to family and settled in Porters Neck Plantation, where they enjoyed many years of golf, tennis, travel, and close friendships. Clark was an enthusiastic UNCW sports fan, especially of the men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams.

A man of deep faith, Clark was an active leader in Windermere Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder and Deacon. He found great joy in sending birthday and anniversary cards to every church member, a simple act that brought comfort and connection to many. He was also a longtime member of the Wilmington Downtown Rotary Club, where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +7, an honor he extended to his family members as well.

Clark was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Melissa Pearson Baldwin, and his beloved daughter Lori Manning and his son in law Collin Lee Sumrall. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Pearson; his children Melinda Pearson Sumrall and Daniel Clark Pearson (wife Tonya) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; and his cherished grandchildren Colby Clark Pearson, Scott Ross Manning, Melanie Sumrall Owens, Emily Catherine Manning, McKenna Diane Pearson, Spencer Ross Pearson, and Rhett Daniel Pearson.

Clark’s greatest joy was his family. Watching his children and grandchildren play sports—tennis, football, soccer, baseball—was one of the true highlights of his later years. His life was one of faith, integrity, humility, and love—a life that touched countless others through kindness and steady example.

A celebration of Clark’s life will be held at Windermere Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 with a Visitation from 1PM - 2PM and the Service to follow at 2PM. A private family Entombment will be held at Oleander Memorial Gardens after the Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Windermere Church Music Fund, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, or a charity of your choice in Clark’s memory.