Byron Pearson

Byron Pearson, 58, of Morganton, NC was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Frye Regional Medical Center while surrounded by his loving family. There is no way to sum up the life and importance of this amazing man. You cannot capture how wonderful he is and how much he means to us, his family and his friends, with mere words. Only by between the lines, can you see the love, strength, goodness and integrity that he lived by, and perhaps you too can understand how devastating his loss truly is to us all.

In 1956, Byron was born to Juanita Whisenant Pearson and Arthur Grant Pearson. Byron was the youngest of eight children born to this loving couple. Growing up, Byron was an incredible athlete and an exceptional musician. He was a member of United Baptist Church on Messer Road. He attended Valdese and East Burke High Schools, where he excelled and lettered at football and wrestling. Byron was in the first graduating class of East Burke High School in 1975. Byron began a state career as a Recreational Therapist at Broughton Hospital and ended his career as a Program Director with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, retiring in 2007. He was an avid fan of the NC State Wolfpack. Nothing could compete though with his love for music. He played the acoustic guitar with 28690, The Band. Byron was also a competitive tournament pool player. His biggest thrill was beating his son on the table. He was full of life, humor and happiness. His greatest loves were his wife and children. Together, they enjoyed music, camping, grilling, ballgames, and fishing. It is with broken hearts and sorrow that we relinquish him to God. He is loved and greatly missed.

Mr. Pearson is survived by his wife, Jamie Pearson of the home; a son, Byron Alexander “Alex” Pearson of Morganton; a daughter, Allison Ferrell of Morganton; brothers, Gene Pearson and his wife, Sandy, of Chattanooga, TN, Mike Pearson and his wife, Gail, of Valdese, NC, and Terryl Pearson and his wife, Lynda, of Drexel, NC; sisters, Detra Hall and her husband, Ken, of Morganton and Lana German and her husband, Randy, of Lenoir, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Byron was preceded in death by brothers, Randy Dean and Barry Pearson.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 22, 2015 from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. at United Baptist Church.  The funeral will be held at the church at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Steve Matthews and the Rev. James Lee officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.