Shirley R. "Flash" Pearson passed away peacefully in his Lavonia, GA home January 16, 2016. He was born July 31, 1934 to James Ashley and Myrtle Jones Pearson. He is survived by his wife, Bernice Cornwell Pearson and three children: Kelley (m Steve Lurus); James Ashley "J" (m Renae Collier); Donna (m Mike Lee); and six grandchildren: Alex & Jake Nicastro, Anna Kate & Will Pearson, TJ & Matthew Lee.He is also survived by his older siblings: Virginia Pearson Kane and Harvey Lee Pearson.
Flash graduated from Warrenton High School and went directly to work for the C & P Telephone Company of Virginia where he retired in 1986 as Cable Supervisor.At the time, he joined his wife in Pearson Auction Company and for the next 23 years the partnership flourished.He was active in 4-H both leading the Agriculture Club and with Young Dominion Performing Arts Troupe.He also partnered in Midland Equipment Co. dealing with used farm equipment, moving that to the Auction Barn location in Catlett.
In 1996 he partnered with his son J., in a venture called Cary-On Trailer Corporation.For the first few years he actively worked in everything needed to make this new company work while son got the sales going throughout the USA and directed the company's path.The company grew fast due to a quality product and he soon found himself in charge of building new factories (Georgia, Texas, Iowa, Virginia) which he loved.It was at the beginning of building in Nevada that he realized his health was failing and he retired from this much loved work.The company went on to be the largest of its kind in the USA, and he enjoyed his son giving him the updates so that he still felt he was involved.
Flash loved his home at Herdland Farm in Midland, Virginia and enjoyed having a "weekend" home in Lavonia Georgia which is where Carry-On Trailer corporate office is located.After retirement and when Alzheimer's made it impossible to function, the farm was sold, and he and Bernice moved to Georgia to live.Both son J and daughter Donna live nearby with 4 of the 6 grandchildren which has given him great joy as well as physical help.Kelley is able to come frequently which completed his joy until he no longer knew.
Before Alzheimer took all of his memories away – he said to Bernice one day – "I've loved my life, I've loved my family, I've loved my God, and I love you."

The funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Randall Massengill officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the service. A burial service will be held Saturday at Warrenton Cemetery in Warrenton, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lavonia United Methodist Church, 25 Baker Street, Lavonia, GA 30553.

Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.