William “Liz” Pearson

William “Liz” Pearson, 84, of Morganton, NC passed away, Friday, May 10, 2024. Born on December 3, 1939, he was the son of the late Robert Pearson and Gazalee Mull.

The man, the myth, the legend. His name Will Pearson or Liz, but to those who treasured him most Dad and Pawpaw Liz. He was a workaholic through and through, always provided for his family. He was a true artist in more than one way. Known well for his furniture finishings locally and all around the world from China, Vietnam, Philippines, Italy, Spain, and many more countries. Who knew this picky fatback, pinto beans, stewed tater eating man would travel to countries all over the world sharing and perfecting his talents, doing what he loved: finishing furniture. After his work day, you would find him in his own workshop, painting his house, fence or barn. All by himself. He just never quit. He never sat still unless a guitar was in his lap. He fulfilled his wife’s dream of building their little house on the hill, and it is beautiful. You wouldn’t catch him without his sidekick pups. The man knew how to find a true canine companion. The most loyal dogs. He would make sure to save the newspapers that had his grandkids featured, even if was just their name. If he liked you, you were named “Liz”. But promise you, he knew your name! Always had the best watermelons and loved to share! He was our real-life James Dean, cut off shirt, denim jacket and perfect hair. He truly was the most stubborn, stuck in his ways, TCM watchin’, only old country is country man. But to us he was the strongest, most sweet, funny, generous, loving Dad and Pawpaw there ever was and will be forever missed.

Liz is survived by his daughter, Sharon Pearson Morris; sons, Brent Pearson (Mindy), Chad Pearson; grandchildren, Rhett Price, Josh Price, Connie “Shell” Abee (Derrick), Hannah Pearson, Tabby Pearson, Benjamin Pearson, Malachi Pearson, Caroline Pearson, Brad Gadell; great-grandchildren, Hailey Price, Riley Price, Hunter Abee, Trenten Abee, Colten Abee, Addalyn Abee, Emme Pearson, Beckem Pearson, Paislee Pearson.

In addition to his parents, Liz is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Pearson; daughter, Connie Pearson; brother, Clarence “Bud” Pearson; sister, Margie Pearson Clark.

The family will receive friends from 5pm until 6pm, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home at 6pm with Kenneth Vanbuskirk officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

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