Joseph M. "Jay" Pearson Jr.

Joseph "Jay" M.

Pearson, Jr.

FLORENCE - Joseph "Jay" Millard Pearson, Jr. was born on January 23, 1947, in Vallejo, CA and led a shining life of service that took him home to his heavenly father on December 1, 2023.

He was a man of God who applied his faith to every facet of his life, from the family dining room to the operating room. A loving husband, father and cherished community leader, Jay leaves behind a legacy that will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and the many clinicians and hospital leaders he influenced.

The son of a U.S. Air Force Officer, Jay spent much of his childhood traveling before his family settled in Columbia, SC which changed his life forever. When he was 17 years old, he met a beautiful girl named Ellen Walker who would become his devoted partner for the next 60 years.

Jay followed his medical career through a residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA, but God ultimately called them to Florence, SC.

Jay served in multiple leadership roles in his 40 years at McLeod Health, including Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff and Board Trustee. He also was Chief of Staff at Bruce Hospital. However, his proudest recognitions were given by his colleagues, including the McLeod Health Educator Mentor Award and the MUSC Unsung Hero Award presented by the MUSC Chief Residents. Jay was tireless in his advocacy for the medical profession and in his efforts to advance others to clinical excellence. He was instrumental in helping to establish the McLeod Breast Health Program, which will continue to provide life-saving care across the Pee Dee.

Jay's leadership extended beyond the hospital to his spiritual home, First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for more than 40 years. He was an active Elder and a founder and teacher of the Men Only Sunday School Class.

Jay was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Frances Pearson, Ellen's parents Bobby and Tulu Walker, and sister-in-law Claudia McCain. He treasured and is survived by his wife Ellen and his children and those he loved as children, Joe and Elizabeth Pearson, Wade and Parker Miller, Garland and Schipp Ames, and Amy and Jeff Murrell and grandchildren, Evelyn and Frances Pearson, Lily and Hannah Miller, Schipman, Ellen, and Fielding Ames, and Maggie, Allie, Grace, and Cate Murrell. Siblings: Jonny Pearson (Grace), Garland McWhirter (Pat), Peter Pearson, Corinne Taylor (Bruce), Deedi Coleman, Rob Walker (Melanie), Rick McCain (Cindi), and many nieces and nephews. His legacy is also lived through those whose lives he saved.

Jay Pearson came running into this world in 1947, took his speed to the A.C. Flora track team, found the love of his life, and never stopped running. Jay became an Eagle Scout, a decorated physician leader, a father, and ultimately his favorite role: grandfather. When his grandson asked, "who will tell all the people whose lives he saved that he's lost his own?" We will, and we will spread the legend of Jay Pearson for decades to come.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday December 5, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Florence and followed by a reception in the Christian Life Center, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Frances and Joe Pearson Academic Award (#1B1752) through the USC Educational Foundation, Gift Processing, 1600 Hampton Street Columbia SC 29208 or the Minnie Lowery Walker Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201, or the First Presbyterian Child Development Center in Florence, SC.