John Bernard Pearson, Iii

Funeral services for Mr. John Bernard Pearson, III will begin at 12:00 PM Friday, August 16, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Chaplain Moore officiating. Interment will follow Graveside rites with Military Honors at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Lt. Colonel John Bernard Pearson, III, age 67, of Meridian, MS, passed away peacefully August 9th, 2024, in his home, surrounded by family.

A lifelong resident of Meridian, Johnny was born on January 29th, 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 System Officer on the RF-4 Phantom and later as a Navigator on the KC-135R. During his service, Johnny accumulated 2,308 flying hours and 1,759 sorties in the RF-4, and 2,165 flying hours and 527 sorties in the KC-135R, eventually becoming an evaluator on both aircraft. Even eighteen years after his retirement, he remained drawn to Key Field, where watching jets take off and land continued to be one of his greatest pleasures.

After retiring from the military, John established 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 offering wise counsel, lending a helping hand, or just being there when needed. Johnny was the go-to man, known for his unwavering dependability 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 dedicated countless hours to coaching baseball, soccer, and softball, not just for his own kids, but for hundreds of others as well. Some of his most cherished memories were made during early morning duck and turkey hunts, times when he felt closest to God. He was a passionate supporter of his teams, the MSU Bulldogs and the New Orleans Saints, never missing a kickoff. Like his parents, John possessed a beautiful singing voice and a deep appreciation for music.

He is survived by his beloved children and granddaughters, Aliyah Pearson and Anne Warren Swindoll, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah (Seth) Mott, Carol (Jon) Clark, Laura Jane Erickson, and Patti (Justus) Humphries, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnny will be remembered as the steadfast rock for his friends and family. His presence was a beacon of strength and love, and his legacy of wisdom and kindness will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Pearson Family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM prior to funeral rites in the chapel.