Funeral services for Mr. Murray Pearson, age 94, will be held at 1 PM on Friday, February 10, 2023 in the Church at Sugar Creek in Humboldt. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 11:30 AM until service time at the church.
Murray Hunter Pearson died peacefully at his home in Humboldt, Tennessee on February 6, 2023.
Murray was born February 19, 1928, in Gadsden, Tennessee to James Oscar and Roxie Elizabeth Hunter Pearson. Murray graduated from Gadsden High School in 1945. He enlisted is the United States Army in November 1950 and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in October 1952. After his military service, Murray returned to Gadsden and attended Union University from 1953-1956. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Business and Economics. After graduation, he worked for The Brown Shoe Company as a time study engineer. He retired in 1992 after thirty-five years as a loyal employee.
In November of 1954, Murray married the love of his life, Billie Jean Mason from Humboldt, Tennessee. She preceded him in death in October 2021 after 66 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Mildred Odell, Agnes Ferguson, and Roger Pearson.
Murray is survived by two daughters, Jeanna (Jeff) Kitchens and Jan (Burt) Staples; five grandchildren Katie (Jake) Banks, Josie (John) Hammons, Hunter (Nicole) Kitchens, Caroline (Paul) Moody and Cole (Lily) Staples; and blessed with six great grandchildren, Lainey Banks, Elizabeth and Pearson Hammons and Olivia, Luke, and Nora Kitchens.
Murray spent his life devoted to God, family, friends, and Humboldt. He and Billie Jean served many years as caregivers to both of their extended families. Murray was a very active and enthusiastic member of First Baptist Church in Humboldt, now known as The Church at Sugar Creek. He and Billie Jean taught Sunday School, Murray was a deacon for many years, served as chairman of the deacons, sang in the choir, served on various church committees, and served as a relief worker when natural disasters struck the country. In Humboldt, Murray served on the school board from 1970-1974, he was chairman of the annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival in 1977 and was the Strawberry Festival Honoree in 2007. Murray was proud to be a member of The Humboldt Lions Club. He was voted Lion of the year in 1973-74 and Lion of the decade 2008-2017. He took up golf after retirement and enjoyed playing a round of golf with his buddies. Murray remained active into his 90’s and loved to be outside taking a leisurely stroll with Billie Jean or working in his yard. Murray set a wonderful example of how to live a full life and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his community.
Memorials may be sent to The Church at Sugar Creek, 3400 E. Mitchell Street Humboldt, Tennessee 38343.
Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home
