Michael Douglas Pearson's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:EN-CA;}Dedicated to Nashville On May 30, 1953, one day after Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest and hours before Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England, James and Clara Pearson were blessed with their own historic event: they welcomed their son Michael Douglas into this world. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in the happy company of his two older brothers, Ronnie and Bobby. James and his three sons developed strong bonds, spending many hours together enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Mike quickly got hooked on fishing and hunting and became an avid sportsman. Clara made sure her boys were equally keen on music with one Christmas’ gifts of a guitar, a banjo and a ukelele for them to learn to play. And Mike learned to play bluegrass and country tunes on them all. The Misty Mountain BoyBy the time he started playing the drums in the Litton High School Marching Band in the late 60s, Mike had become an accomplished, self-taught musician. As a teenager, he was already playing with several bands and offering banjo lessons to his classmates. He became a regular at The Pickin’ Parlor, entertaining patrons as a member of The Misty Mountain Boys. He was exceptionally gifted and skilled and was fortunate to be able to make a living doing what he loved most: playing his banjo, guitar and fiddle. He taught himself to master the mandolin and cultivated a unique talent for playing fiddle tunes, note for note, on a flat-top guitar. His musical credits include playing with such well known bands as The Pinnacle Boys and Porter Wagoner and the Wagoneers. He played his banjo for small groups at Opryland Park and his guitar for more than 50,000 country music fans at London’s Wembley Stadium. So Busy LivingMike continuously surprised his friends with both the diversity and the depth of his interests. He worked hard to become the best he could be at everything he put his mind to achieve. His uncanny gift for music was one part God-given natural talent and two parts study and constant practice. When he went bass fishing with his father, brothers and friends, he would research the topography of the lake and examine every possible factor to ensure the best results. When his attention turned to duck and quail hunting, he made sure he was fully informed and equipped. He studied bird-dog breeding and became a master trainer. His friends claim that his teachings were lost on Daisy – his favorite bird-dog who pointed at everything and nothing – but that did not stop Mike from loving her as his best friend. Living fully meant enjoying all aspects of life. Mike loved to eat; even the concrete flapjacks at the Keystop did not deter his appetite. He was always active and remained so thin that his friends claim he could seek shelter from the rain under a clothesline. Physical exercise, playing cards and watching westerns kept him occupied. A history buff, Mike was fervently interested in the detail of the American Civil War: the causes, the people, the battles, the guns, the trains. He was an active member of the Franklin’s Charge Civil War Round Table. He loved the Old West and owned all the episodes of Gunsmoke, his favorite Western. Master of WordsMike had a very special way of making everything more enjoyable just through his presence. He once said, “I have my mother’s sweet nature,” and he did. He brought laughter into a room with his razor-sharp wit and hearty sense of humor. He was a true friend to many, always adding value with his kind, encouraging words. He demonstrated, in both his words and his actions, that he truly cared about others and was never known to say an angry thing about anyone. That did not mean that Mike the entertainer was above “stretching the truth” when it came to telling a good story. Even though his duck-hunting friends suggest that he was the worst shot, they did not object to his claiming credit for most of the birds caught… it was just part of the fun of being around him. Song writing and producing music became logical extensions of his varied talents. Many of the poignant, heartfelt stories that flowed from his “Pen” will live on in the archives of authentic Tennessee music history. He wrote music with the greatest songwriters, including Hank Cochran and Mack Vickery. On the other hand, his inspired duck-hunting lyrics set to classic country melodies will be treasured only in the fond memories of the hunting friends who shared those duck blinds and his mirth. Living in the Power of God’s GraceHis love of words and profound spirituality led Mike on a mid-life quest to explore the depths of the scriptures. Surrounded by original translations, Greek dictionaries and other Believers, he experienced a transformation that completely altered his life. He said that when he began to study the scriptures, he went “from a heathen to a changed man.” He dedicated his life to God and became a beacon, spreading his faith and presenting the Father to all. With his unique passion, patience and genuine desire to support others, he encouraged his friends, family, many nephews and nieces to read, study and believe. He was a humble man with great power to impact and influence others. A very close friend was honored to have Mike officiate his wedding ceremony. He was also thankful for Mike’s quick thinking and skillful driving that once saved his life, along with the lives of five friends, on a road trip. Life-long friends and new friends alike believe they were blessed to have known Mike. They knew that even as he was suffering from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, his mission was to encourage others. When there was work to be done, Mike would jokingly quip, “What can I say to help?” Well, Mike, you have said and helped more than you will ever know. Your friendship and kind words will live on and resonate in a legacy of music and in the sweet spirit you shared with the world. You are loved and remembered by all who were privileged to know you.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?