MERIDIAN, Miss (WTOK) –
Funeral services for Mr. John Bernard Pearson III will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, in the chapel of the Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Chaplain Moore officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service with military honors at Magnolia Cemetery. The Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is proud to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Lt. Colonel John Bernard Pearson III, age 67, of Meridian, MS, passed away peacefully at home on August 9, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Johnny was a lifelong resident of Meridian, born on January 29, 1957 to John “Bernie” Pearson, Jr. and Louise Pearson. He graduated from Meridian High School and joined the Mississippi Air National Guard while attending Mississippi State University. He served with distinction for nearly thirty years as a weapons systems officer on the RF-4 Phantom and later as a navigator on the KC-135R. During his service, Johnny accumulated 2,308 flight hours and 1,759 sorties on the RF-4 and 2,165 flight hours and 527 sorties on the KC-135R, eventually becoming an examiner on both aircraft. Even 18 years after his retirement, he was still drawn to Key Field, where watching jets take off and land continued to be one of his greatest joys.
After leaving the military, John founded his insurance agency, The Business Group, and served his community for seventeen years. He was a man who could be counted on for anything, whether it was to offer wise advice, lend a helping hand, or just be there when you needed him. Johnny was the man you turned to, known for his unwavering reliability and heartfelt wisdom. His sunroom became a sanctuary where many sought and found the advice and comfort they needed.
John’s love for his children, Hallie (Zach) Swindoll, Cody Pearson and Keegan Pearson, was evident in everything he did. He devoted countless hours to coaching baseball, soccer and softball, not only his own children but hundreds of others. Some of his fondest memories come from morning duck and turkey hunting when he felt closest to God. He was a passionate supporter of his teams, the MSU Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints, and never missed a kickoff. Like his parents, John had a beautiful singing voice and a deep appreciation for music.
He leaves behind his beloved children and granddaughters, Aliyah Pearson and Anne Warren Swindoll, who were the bright lights of his life. He is also survived by his sisters Sarah (Seth) Mott, Carol (Jon) Clark, Laura Jane Erickson and Patti (Justus) Humphries, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Johnny will be remembered by his friends and family as a rock. His presence was a beacon of strength and love, and his legacy of wisdom and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Online condolences may be left at robertbarhamffh.com.
The Pearson family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the chapel prior to the funeral service.
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