Theodore W. Pearson, Sr.

Theodore Wylie Pearson, Sr was born to James Dan “JD” and Louise Rhodes Pearson on May 23, 1929, in Onslow County, Jacksonville, N.C. He often spoke of his early childhood when the family would load up in the wagon for church. They would stay all day and Mother Louise would have prepared food for the day. The earlier home they lived in had a fireplace so large that he remembered being able to stand up in the opening.The family relocated to New Bern where Theodore grew up on a farm located on the Pamlico Sound of the Neuse River. He would often kid with the grandchildren and say “he was born on the water”! As a teen, Theodore recalled when the river flooded the farmland, he would dive down in the water to see the tractors and equipment under water. He was an avid swimmer.Theodore joined the air force and completed basic training in San Antonio, TX. The heat was so bad, he recalled the Airmen took salt tablets to keep from falling out. Once basic training was completed, the Airmen were transferred to Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, FL At one point along the trip, the Unit had to go down river on a barge in New Orleans. At Tyndall Air Force Base, Theodore served as a Military Policeman. He was a member of the singing group that entertained the airmen on the base. It was here that he met the love of his life, Myrtis Ruth Smith. They were wed on August 8th ,1948.After an honorable discharge. Theodore “Teddy Roe” and his lovely wife Myrtis relocated to Charlotte, N.C. with their first born, DeVera. The family would be completed with Cora, Theodore Jr, Marsha, Murlyn and Dan.Theodore became a deacon at South Tryon Street Presbyterian Church and sang on the choir. He had an awesome singing voice. For Easter, he played the part of Jesus. Theodore learned the game of golf and soon grew to love the sport. In addition to golf, he enjoyed bowling. Ted, affectionately known as “Teddy Roe the Pro” was a member of a bowling team, the Untouchables, that competed regularly and often won best trophy. He and his brothers played baseball in New Bern and Dad JD owned a minor league team there. So Ted continued participating in the sport by playing with the “Red Birds” of Charlotte.He loved taking the family to the drive-in movies, and to the river to fish. As a skilled tractor trailer driver, Theodore was awarded many safe driver awards and would bring the family to the Annual Truck Drivers Rodeo where he competed. He retired from the trucking industry in 1991 and enjoyed 33 years of retirement. As his health declined, his daughter Marsha was his care giver. Theodore transitioned from this life to heaven on August 15 th at 12:35 am at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. He leaves to mourn six children, eleven grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, its nurses, staff, Hospice Care Unit, for their care of our dad. Thank you to everyone for your prayers, calls, wishes of condolences, and love. Special thank you to St Paul Baptist Church, Rev Robert C. Scott, Creative Catering, staff, and members for opening your doors and arms to the family. Thank you to Alexander Funeral Home for your service, support, and long-standing fellowship with the family. God’s richest blessings to all!