Mel Pearson

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Hugh Melvin Pearson, Jr. will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 502 E. DeKalb Street, Camden. Reverends John Hallman and Mike Kelly will officiate. Visitation with family will be held in Westminster Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 502 E. DeKalb Street, Camden, SC 29020.
Mel shared a deep love for people and the outdoors. He found great joy in helping others enjoy life. As a little league coach, Mel would fill his pickup truck with players who couldn't otherwise get to practice. He introduced fishing and hunting to a countless number of children and adults, sharing both his time and his love for nature.
Mel loved Camden. Possessing a rare combination of toughness and kindness, he was born to lead Camden through some of its most difficult times. As the City Manager of Camden, he helped steer the town through the pandemic. And he did this while battling a very aggressive brain cancer. As a testament to their love for Mel, the community named the bluff overlooking Camden's historic ferry crossing along the Wateree River "Pearson Point." And they named the courtyard at the Revolutionary War Museum "The Pearson Courtyard."
Mel loved supporting the local arts community. Cooking was his art. Mel was well known for his barbeque and wild game. To the very end, Mel held on to his unique wit and sense of humor. He was a special man that will be dearly missed.
Born in Hazlehurst, GA, Mel was the son of the late Hugh Melvin Pearson and Jessie Leah Hall Pearson. He worked for the City of Camden for over 20 years, serving as the City Manager from 2012 until 2022. Mel was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church and was a deacon, elder, and chairman of both the property committee and finance committee. He was instrumental in the building of Westminster Hall as well as Bethesda Memorial Garden. Prior to his service as City Manager, Mel served as Finance Director for both the City of Camden and the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County.
Mel (age 72) is survived by his wife of 50 years, DeLaine Dobson Pearson; daughters, Gwendolyn "Wendy" Pearson Brinley (Scott) of Farragut, TN, and Lauren Pearson Hoffman of Savannah, GA; son, Jeffrey Melvin Pearson (Megan) of Richmond Hill, GA; grandchildren, Garrett, Ava, Landon, Miles, Leah, Elaina, Walker, and Grayson.
In addition to his parents, Mel was predeceased by his sister, Gwendolyn Ann Pearson.
Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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