Fred Pearson
January 18, 1942 ~ September 21, 2025
James Fred “Fred” Pearson, 83, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025 at Haven Hospice, Gainesville. Born January 18, 1942, in Shamrock, Florida, he was the son of William and Vetha Sullivan Pearson. He attended school in Alachua, Florida before moving to Ocala, where he graduated from Ocala High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida in 1963. He was a football letter winner for the Florida Gators from 1961 to 1963.
On August 17, 1963, Fred married the love of his life, Elinor Dose Pearson. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. He worked for Colgate-Palmolive Company, where he had a distinguished career, including induction into their Hall of Fame, before retiring.
Fred was a devoted servant of the church. He taught Sunday school, led youth activities, and served as both a deacon and trustee. He was a current member of Salt Church. His faith was the cornerstone of his life and shaped the way he served his community and loved his family.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elinor; his children Pam Pearson Harrison (Mike) and Freddy Pearson (Kae); his beloved grandchildren Case Harrison, Avery Harrison, Brett Pearson, Jenna Pearson, and Ryan Pearson. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
Fred was a wonderful husband, father, Pops, and friend whose warmth, sense of humor, and steady faith left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He enjoyed sports, travel, music and reading but was happiest spending time with his family, cheering on the Florida Gators, and living out his strong Christian values.
Please see the comment section for information on his service.
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We love you Pops! Thank you for everything.
I have many wonderful memories of Uncle Fred each summer, holiday, UF games, meals together, church events, or just visiting family. He always made time spent fun, exciting and adventurous. He was a man of God, a faithful servant great husband to Aunt Ellie, father to my cousins Pam and Freddie and uncle my brother's and I. You will be truly missed I was blessed to have you in my life as a child into my adult yrs. Love you Uncle Fred 🧡💙
Fred made a meaningful impression on me my girls and my grandchildren.
Fred will be remembered at a service held on Saturday, October 4, at 10 a.m. at Salt Church (8105 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL).Childcare will be provided. In honor of Fred’s lifelong love for the Florida Gators, the family invites you to wear orange and blue. In place of flowers, a gift to Salt Church in his memory would be especially meaningful.
Thoughts and prayers with the entire Pearson family. So many wonderful memories that will be forever cherished. From our days at FBC to Covenant, road trips to Florida football games and Ridgecrest trips, what amazing times! We are all better people because of the wonderful influence Fred had on our life!! He will be missed!
Fred was a wonderful man! Always funny and Made you laugh! Always had a great outlook on life! I know Mrs Elenor going to miss him! We love you all!
#Gooooo Gators!!!!
Wonderful memories of a true gentleman. After driving down to Tampa Fred would play football with Tim, Mark, David & me & be quarterback & referee for both sides. Never raised his voice with us and had great patience. I thank the Lord for people like Fred who made a wonderful impression on my life.
We are so grateful to be part of Uncle Fred's family. He is very missed. We love you, Uncle Fred.
Mr. Pearson was such a good person. Just a great man. I was around him at the ballpark so many days growing up and he always treated me well. My parents thought the world of him and Mrs. Pearson. He was loved and will always be remembered well by the Hazens.
As a young boy living temporarily in Florida, Fred became a good family friend and example. I came home to New Brunswick with an appreciation and love for Christ, football and BBQ and now pass that on to my own son. "Well done, good and faithful servant." You'll be missed.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s loving comfort that He has promised to all that mourn be special to family and friends during this difficult time. Cherish your wonderful memories. Fred became a friend when I was on the Gator’s 1962 freshman team. Being from Marion County we had a connection over the years as fans attending Gator baseball games. He was always greeting me when we were at the same games. So thankful for his love and commitment to Jesus our Savior. 🙏💜