O.L. Pearson Jr., age 93, of Smackover, AR, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Courtyard Health and Rehabilitation in El Dorado, AR. He was born to Oscar Leander Pearson, Sr. and Vera Lorene Slayman Pearson on October 10, 1929, in El Dorado, Kansas.
He spent the first few years of his life in the East Texas oil fields living in a tent while his parents traveled from job to job. After settling in Smackover, he enjoyed participating in school sports, camping, and fishing. He furthered his education at Arkansas A & M College in Monticello, where he also played football for the Boil Weevils. During this time, he joined the Army National Guard and served faithfully for ten years. After graduating with a degree in education, he came home to Smackover where he began a career in coaching and teaching. It was in Smackover that he met the love of his life, Ann Phillips, and they were married on July 10, 1954. They moved to Navasota, TX and started their family. His career, which spanned 40 years, moved him to Malvern, AR, and eventually to the Texarkana Arkansas School District where he retired in 1991. O. L. and Ann spent the majority of their retirement years on Lake Claiborne in Homer, LA, where he enjoyed fishing and spending time with family. They eventually came full circle and returned to his hometown of Smackover, AR.
O.L. was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Floyd Russell Pearson and Tommy Dee Pearson, and son-in-law, Eddie Berry.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ann Phillips Pearson, their four children, Tommy Pearson (Linda) of Smackover, Mary Ann Scoggins (Randy) of Norphlet, Suzy Berry of Hot Springs, and Frank Pearson (Dorie) of Texarkana, TX. His legacy will continue through his 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who affectionately called him "Papaw at the Lake".
His stories will be missed by a multitude of family and friends.
Graveside services will be at 10 am, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Smackover Cemetery with Donald Brock officiating under the direction of Youngs Funeral Directors. Serving as pallbearers are Michael Pearson, Cole Pearson, Todd Pearson, Cade Pearson, Colby Pearson and Cody Scoggins. Honorary pallbearers are Cody Cozart, Jason arnold, Heath Arnold, Dustin Dethlefs and Billy Blair.
Memorial may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Smackover.
Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Pearson family.
