Services for Willie Carol Pearson, 89, of Kingston, who died at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, will be Monday, April 17 at 10 a.m. at Parkway Baptist Church in Natchez with the Rev. Jeff Brewer officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Natchez under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home and Monday, April 17 from 9-10 a.m. at Parkway Baptist Church.

Mr. Pearson was born Dec. 24, 1927 in Amite County, the son of Willie A Pearson and Ruby Anders Pearson. He attended East McComb Baptist Church and graduated from McComb High School. A Korean War Army veteran, he received three Purple Hearts and returned to Natchez to work 38 years for International Paper Company until his retirement. He was a co-founder of the Adams County Water Association and a Mason. A dedicated charter member of Parkway Baptist Church, he was a member of the Heavenbound Sundayschool class and served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed growing tomatoes and vegetables in his large garden in Kingston, hunting and fishing.

Mr. Pearson was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Harvey Moese Pearson. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Willie Lee Pearson, son Joseph Carol Pearson of Richland; son Ashton C. Pearson Sr. and wife Kathy, of Oxford; sister Bettye Pearson Richard and husband, Joseph G. Richard Jr. of Baton Rouge; niece Beth Richard, nephew Bill Richard and wife Amy; five grandchildren: Ashton C. (Chip) Pearson Jr. and wife, Katie; Matthew Pearson and fiancé Hilary Calametti; Stewart and Maggie Pearson, Emily Snyder and husband, Drake, and two great-grandchildren, Ashton III and Brooks Pearson.

Pallbearers will be Chip Pearson, Matt Pearson, James Smith, Ralph LeMay, Freddie Sandel and Danny Goldman. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph G. Richard Jr., Charles C. Thompson Jr., Damon Ball, Emmett Keating, Steve Fulmer and the members of Heavenbound Sunday School class at Parkway Baptist Church.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, Camellia Hospice in Oxford and Dr. Brian Hathorn of Baton Rouge.

Memorials may be made to Parkway Baptist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.