William "Buster" Pearson

William “Buster” Franklin Pearson, Jr, of Cordova, TN, died of a sudden illness on July 4, 2026. He was 74. Buster was the faithful husband to Nancy of 54 years, devoted dad, and proud “Papa” to his grandchildren.

Buster was born in Memphis, TN, on July 6, 1951, as the second of five children to Dr. William Franklin Pearson, DDS and Carmen Perez Pearson. He attended Memphis Technical High School and graduated in 1970. It was at “Tech” that he met his forever sweetheart, Nancy Bates. After graduation, Buster attended United Electronics Institute in Dallas, TX, where he learned how to repair electronics. He was always the one his family called on with questions about how to fix things. Buster and Nancy married in Memphis on July 28, 1972. Buster worked in the nuclear medical equipment industry, servicing MRI and CT scans for various companies for over 40 years. After leaving the medical industry, he worked for RS Integrated Systems where he was a Procurement Specialist 1, at the FedEx Hub. He continued to work full-time until his passing.

In Buster’s youth, he had a band with his brother, James “Jimmy,” where he played the bass guitar in local venues. Buster developed a love for theater and play production in his teens. He played several roles including Kurt in The Sound of Music, and Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey. It was in the theater that Buster developed a love for special effects and pyrotechnics. He also loved Broadway productions at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis.

Buster became a Christ follower and joined Bellevue Baptist Church in 1972. He immediately jumped into volunteering for all their theater productions. He served as a volunteer for 49 years assisting with lighting design and later became the special effects coordinator and pyrotechnics specialist in the Singing Christmas Tree. He also assisted with special effects in Bellevue’s original Easter production, Living Pictures, and later the Passion Play, and Celebrate America. Buster became licensed in pyrotechnics in Tennessee so he could present indoor and outdoor fireworks displays. He had quite the hobby of hosting fireworks at weddings, outdoor events, and indoor concerts. Buster also volunteered countless hours for electrical mission trips and served several years as a deacon.

Of all the things Buster loved, his favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He and Nancy had five children together, William Franklin Pearson, III of Memphis, Ashley (Brian) Cassino of Germantown, Brian (Mariale) Pearson of Delaware, OH, Steven (Kristin) Pearson of Memphis, MaryElena Pearson of Memphis and his grandchildren, Jayden, Evie, Silas, Brandon, William, Eisley, Piper Pearson, Maylen, Adeline, Pearce Janovich, Sophi (Trent), Josie Sowell, Emma (John) Fox, Daniel and Jonathan Cassino. It was Buster who organized the family together for frequent dinners. He was the best at smoking BBQ ribs and turkey so he could gather everyone around his table. He was also an avid University of Memphis Tiger fan and a season ticket holder for basketball and football for 52 years. He looked forward every year to tailgating on Tiger Lane with his family.

Buster was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jimmy, and nephew, Adam Pearson. He leaves behind sisters, Ana (Robert) Jensen of Overland Park, KS, Carmen (Harold) Mullins of Memphis, TN, and Maria Pearson (Christopher Niess) of Orlando, FL. He also leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buster will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family will host a Visitation and Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 18, in the Pollard Chapel at Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, TN. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Service at 12:00 p.m. Graveside will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Morning Center, 501(c)3, the nonprofit where both of Buster’s daughters work to serve the underserved community of Memphis with prenatal care—2400 Poplar Avenue, Suite 501, Memphis, TN.