Richard Fletcher Pearson

Mr. Richard Fletcher Pearson, Sr, 88, of 107 Christopher Court, passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

The funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. at First Methodist Church with Rev. Matt Seals officiating. A private burial will take place on Sunday, Jan. 5 in the Clinton Cemetery.

Born, 1936, in Sampson County, Fletcher was the son of the late C. Richardson Pearson and Mary Elizabeth Fletcher Pearson of McColl, S.C.

He graduated from Clinton High School in 1954. He was active in the Future Farmers of America student organization. He received the highest degree, American Farmer, served as State FFA vice president, first place state forest winner and received a FFA Smith Douglas Scholarship to NC State College.

He attended NC State College and graduated with a B.S. degree in agriculture economics. He later attended NC State University and graduated with a masters degree in agricultural education in 1974. After graduation from college he served in the U.S. Army. He returned to Clinton and farmed for nine years. He was active in Sampson County Farm Bureau, serving as vice president and chairperson of forest committee. He served for four years on the Sampson Soil and Water Conservation District Board. He was selected as Sampson County Young Farmer of the year in 1968. He was recognized as one of the top 1o outstanding young democrats of N.C. in 1967. He was co-chair for Jim Hunt for Lt. Gov. in 1972. He served as president of the Clinton Kiwanis Club. He became the agriculture teacher at Clinton High School in 1969. He remained in vocational education until he retired in 1999 as vocational education director with Clinton City Schools. He served on the library board. He was a member of Sampson County Youth Industry, NC State Alumni Association, NCSU Wolfpack Club, 32nd Mason and Shriner. He was a member of First Methodist Church where he served as chairperson of Methodist Men, member of administration board, finance committee, council of ministries, president of C. Freeman Health Sunday School Club, co-chair of Meals on Wheels and friendship circle. He was a Sampson County Commissioner for 12 years, serving as vice chairman for two years. He served as chairperson of Duplin Sampson Mental Health from 1978-1996. In 1960 he was recognized by the N.C. Council of Mental Health as the outstanding county commissioner in 1990. He served as chairman as Client Rights Claims Committee representing Sampson County from 1996-2002. He served a five year term as trustee on Sampson Regional Medical Center Board from 1990-1996. He was selected in 2004 to the Sampson County Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

He enjoyed traveling with his family, gardening, and sharing what he grew with others. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fletcher is survived by his loving wife of over 67 years, Frances Wilson Pearson of the home; daughter, Susan Pearson Crisp (Jim) of Crozet, Va.; son, Richard Fletcher Pearson, Jr (Sandra) of Clinton; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Pagels (Charlie), Sara Averitt (Jay), Jill Fletcher (C.J.), Maria Pearson, and Wil Pearson; and six great-grandchildren, Chase and Ivy Pagels, Grayson and Anna Brooks Averitt, and Porter and Collins Fletcher.

The Family will receive friends at the home.

The family wishes to thank United Home Care: Alice Best, Annie Williams, Lakisa Howard, and Sheila McLamb; and Gentiva Hospice, Carol Aman, and Mikki Pearson for their compassionate care.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Pearson Family.