John Beal Pearson

At age 16, John joined the U.S. Air Force and later transferred to the U.S. Army. He attended Warrant Officer School, became a flight instructor in Fort Rucker, AL. On November 27, 1963, John married the former Jan Hill, and they lived in Texas and Louisiana before settling in Ozark, AL. Despite his Army Reserve Commander's wishes, John was voluntarily deployed to the Persian Gulf War in 1992. He was later recognized as the eldest U.S. pilot overseas at that time.

Several years after returning home to the United States from Kuwait, Chief Warrant Officer Pearson retired. He eventually settled in Helena, AL to live with his daughter, Jill, and her family.

John was predeceased by his parents, Eldred Teague Pearson and Nell Grace Marshall Pearson. Survivors include one daughter, Jill Pearson Ross (David); one son, John Hill Pearson (Janie); four grandchildren, Pearson Ross, John Chase Pearson, David Justin Pearson, and Ashlen Hill Pearson; one sister, Dorthy Munsey; one brother, Marshall Pearson; and cousins, Phil Smith, June Baldwin, and Stephen Storey.

Visitation will be 5-6 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, followed by the 6 p.m. Memorial Celebration of John Pearson's Life and Legacy in Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham. Immediately after the memorial service, the family will resume visitation at a reception at the funeral home.

All family and friends are also welcome to attend the committal service for CW4 John Pearson at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.