Charles Thomas Pearson

Charles Thomas (Tom) Pearson Jr., prominent attorney and business man, passed away at his home on Friday, April 29, 2011 after a long battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Tom was a native of Fayetteville, Ark., born October 14, 1929 to Charles Thomas and Doris Pinkerton Pearson and the grandson of Homer Lee and Lila Pearson. Homer Pearson (grandfather), Charles Thomas Pearson Sr. (father) and Charles Thomas (Tom) Pearson Jr. were all attorneys practicing law as Pearson Law Firm. The law firm originated in1902. Tom graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as well as a Masters Degree of Arts in International Relations from Boston University. Tom was extremely proud of his service in the United States Navy as a legal officer for the Judge Advocate General Corps. from May 1955 to June 1963; later retiring from the Naval Reserves at the rank of Commander. He participated in many civic organizations. He was a past president of the Salvation Army Board; a Mason (32nd degree) and Shriner. He was a member of the Lions Club and Sigma Chi Fraternity. Tom served as Alumni President of the Northwest Arkansas Sigma Chi chapter and continued to be a proud Sigma Chi throughout his life. Tom was recognized as an outstanding attorney both by his clients and the community of lawyers and judges. One trait that he kept private was his generosity to those less fortunate who needed a helping hand. Tom was married to Alice Ann Paddock on March 7, 1952. To this union was born Linda Sue Pearson (Bell) and John Paddock Pearson. Tom married Wyma Hampton of Jacksonville, Ark., on Sept. 9, 1988. Those left to celebrate the influence of his life are his wife Wyma Pearson, daughter Linda Pearson Bell and husband C.R. Bell, son John Pearson and wife Deidra Pearson, stepson Paul Monte Alexander and wife Eileen Alexander, grandchildren Shannon Elizabeth Cantrell (Aaron), Sean Pearson Schader (Nicole), great-grandchildren Mitchell, Matthew and Cole Cantrell, Morgan and Ella Grace Schader and his many close friends. Tom had an extreme love of the law, was an avid reader and loved to travel. Tom and Wyma enjoyed visiting many foreign and fascinating places. Their traveling adventures in their motor home were a source of enjoyment and sometimes amusement to their friends. Tom's beloved dogs were always included on these road trips. Tom's life has been a grand adventure. He loved his experience in the Navy, the opportunity for a life of world wide travel, the challenge of the battle in courts of law, exquisite dining and making friends of all those he encountered. Tom Pearson, you were one of the best; you dared to live life to the fullest. At this moment in time you are surrounded by all those you loved who birthed into eternity before you, joy unspeakable, reunited and in the presence of a loving Heavenly Father. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Central United Methodist Church. Interment will be held in Fairview Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be: Sean Schader, Aaron Cantrell, Charles Chadwick, Garren Schader, Mike Sweetser, Will Schmidt, Ty Pierce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be given to the Sigma Chi Scott Hale Memorial Scholarship Fund, paid to Arkansas State University (ASU), Attn: Phillip Jackson, P.O. Box 1990, State University, Ark., 72467. Please note contributions to be designated to the "Sigma Chi Scott Hale Memorial Scholarship Fund". Condolences may be offered at www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.