Theodore John Pearson, Jr.

AIKEN, SC - Lt. Col. Theodore John "Ted" Pearson, Jr. US Army (Ret.), 89, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in his sleep after a life filled with family, travel and service.

Ted was born on October 7th, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Ted and Louise Pearson. He met Nina Patricia Helms and in March of 1958 the couple were married. Ted is survived by his wife Pat and the three children they share: Edna Marilea Vincent, Theodore John Pearson III and Mark Alexander Pearson. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He shared many adventures with his grandchildren: Mairi Elspeth McCormick, Alan Pearce, Harry Pearson, Grey Pearson, John Patrick Pearson, Luke Vincent and Sarah Grace Pearson. He was able to meet his three great grandchildren Lillian McCormick, Geneva Pearson, and Dinah Pearson

After graduating from West Point in 1957 Ted served as a Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. He furthered his education in 1966 when he completed his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University. During the Vietnam War, Ted served as a Signal Corps Officer with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. After graduating from the Army’s Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Ted deployed to Japan as head of signal communications for the Far East. Upon transfer to Heidelberg, Germany, Ted served as head of Strategic Communications Command- Europe., Ted and Pat lived with their children in both Japan and Germany during his time in the army-embracing the cultures with their young family. During their time overseas the couple traveled extensively and entertained diplomats.

After retirement from the military in 1978, the family moved to Colts Neck, New Jersey where Ted was employed by the Bell Labs research facility in Holmdel. In 1982 Ted was one of the “First to be Chosen” to join the American Bell. Within two years American Bell would become AT&T Information Systems, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world where Ted would accomplish success in a second career. While living in Colts Neck, Ted seved two terms as mayor. He retired from AT&T in 1998 and the family moved to Aiken, South Carolina.

During Ted’s time in the Army the Pearson family visited many countries. They shared their love of travel with their children and grandchildren showing them the world through cultural experiences. Their travel included cruises, trains, planes, and rented homes across Europe providing their children and grandchildren with extraordinary experiences. Ted was always happy to enhance these visits with his extensive knowledge of history. His love of the military and his country inspired his three children and his grandson Harry to follow his example into military service. Ted may have left us but his legacy will live on for generations.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 29803.