Leroy Pearson

Leroy F. Pearson, 86, of Nickelsville, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Thursday, December 11, 2014 at his home.

He was born in Washington County, TN where he lived until moving to Nickelsville in 1986. He retired in 1986 from Eastman where he worked in the Organic Chemicals Division. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church where he retired as pastor after 20 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army.

Leroy had a love of music of all kinds, but gospel was his favorite. He loved to sit in the kitchen and watch his birds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clarence Pearson and Mary Edna Ball Pearson. Two brothers, Harold Clinton Pearson of Fall Branch, TN and Billie Eugene Pierson of Fall Branch, TN.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Shirley Ferguson Pearson; two daughters: Teresa Pearson of Kingsport, TN and Lisa Jones of Kingsport, TN; one son: Gary Lee Pearson and wife, Carolyn of Kingsport, TN; four step-daughters: Diana Meredith and husband, Gerald of Kingsport, TN, Linda Ferguson of Hiltons, VA, Lisa Sanders and husband, Johnny of Gate City, VA; Ramona Russell and husband, Roger of Gate City, VA; five grandchildren: Heather, Abby, Courtney, Chelsea, and Dylan; five step grandchildren: Jason, Jessie, Travis, Jonathan, and Jarrod; two step great-grandchildren: Camden Arlie Sanders and Callie Shea Russell; Sister: Shirley Harless of Fall Branch, TN; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport and anytime at the home of Shirley Pearson. Funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Larry Spivey and Rev. Layton Bentley officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted Monday, December 15, 2014 at Oak Glenn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons: Dylan, Jason, Travis, Jonathan, and Jarrod.

A memorial contribution can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 418 N. State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604; Niswonger Childrens Hospital, 400 N. State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604; New Bethel Baptist Church, Big Mocassin Rd., Nickelsville, VA 24271.

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