Stanley Pearson

Stanley Ray Pearson, 89, died Monday February 25, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Stan was born November 30, 1929 in Durant, Oklahoma to D.V. Pearson and Bertie Whitfield Pearson. He was the brother to Joyce, Billie Jo, Dorothy, and Betty. From an early age, he showed a determination to learn and construct. Later diagnosed with polio, he would be unfit to join the war effort but this did not keep him from being instrumental in the development of the glue that held helicopter blades together. He was always tenacious in his quest for the answers to many unsolvable dilemmas. He was never interested in fashion or fame, but spent his life striving for “a better way”. A full ride scholarship to the University of Oklahoma fueled his passion for the university from then on. It was during a summer break, while hauling junk cars for his uncle’s salvage yard, that he met his future wife, Joan Gilley Pearson in Antlers, OK. They would then be married for greater than 67 years. He was a chemical engineer at Dow Chemical Company for over 30 years obtaining many patents for his work. After retiring from Dow, he enjoyed being self-employed and working on designs for renewable energy processes.  But his greatest passion was for God and the Church of Christ.  He was an excellent bible school teacher, loved to sing at the nursing home and served as an elder for the congregation in Baton Rouge for 33 years. He loved his family and gave us all courage and hope.  He is survived by 3 of his children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Known for being overly optimistic, he was able to find the silver lining in almost every negative situation. His favorite phrase was “just keep swimming”.  And it was truly amazing to see how much he accomplished with his positive attitude and genius IQ.  In his latter days, he loved to use his TV remote control and worked to outsmart squirrels while feeding and watching birds in his bird feeders.  All of his quirky ways and sayings will be fondly missed, and he will always be loved and cherished. The funeral will take place at Hayworth Miller Funeral Home in Winston Salem, NC at 10am on 2/28/19. There will be a graveside service at 4pm on 3/9/19 in Antlers, OK where he will be buried.  All are welcome to attend.