Funeral services for William Byron Pearson, Jr., age 79, of Quitman, MS, were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 10, 2025, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with Rev. Bob Ramsey, Rev. Ryan Flynt, Rev. Jesse Griffith, and Rev. Dennis Kennedy officiating. Visitation was held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment followed the service at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Melvin, AL.
Mr. Pearson was born July 19, 1945, in Laurel, MS, to Bill and Doris Pearson. He passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, in Desoto, MS.
Mr. Pearson, or “Worm,” as most knew him, was a simple man who found joy in talking to people. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for over 25 years. He enjoyed gardening and was always generous with the produce in his community. He was also a longtime member of the Theadville Volunteer Fire Department and was known as the “Mayor” of Crandall. “Worm” was a tough man, surviving three types of cancer and a massive stroke. He retired from Georgia Pacific in Pennington, AL, where he worked for 40 years.
He is survived by his son, Jim Pearson (Terry) of Quitman, MS; daughter, Melinda “Lindy” Flynt (Ronald) of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Ryan Flynt, Taylor Tew, Jamie Pearson, Anna Pearson, and Keely Flynt; great grandchildren, Addie Grace Pearson, Eli Flynt, Baylor Flynt, Jax Tew, Will Pearson, Wylder Barron, and Walker Barron; brother, Pete Pearson of Pearl, MS; and sister, Dianne Taylor of Stonewall, MS.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Scott Pearson; father, William Byron Pearson, Sr.; mother, Jamie Doris Riley Pearson; and sisters, Faye Turner and Alenda Fleming.
Serving as pallbearers were John Griffith, John Alvin Turner, Andy Morgan, Andy Lafferty, Allen Pearson, and Billy Grantham. Honorary pallbearers included Ronnie Morgan and William Dolphus Abston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International, Choctaw Camp, P.O. Box 734, Butler, AL 36904.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.phillips-funeral-home.com. Arrangements provided by Phillips Funeral Home, 116 West Main Street, Gilbertown, AL 36908.
Submitted by Phillips Funeral Home
