Walter Elm Pearson, Jr., 71, of Bristol, VA, departed this life on Sunday, December 19, 2021, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 24, 1950, in Morganton, NC, to Walter Elm Pearson, Sr., and Irene Connely Pearson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Earl Clinton Pearson; sister, Sandra Sue Lipford; daughter, Ruthie Tate Forney; sons, James Alexander Jackson and Walter Elm Pearson, III; and granddaughters, Tiarra Washington, Alexis Washington, and Jalyssa Broadwater. He retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation after many years. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Pearson of the home; sons, Ephshia Blackwell of Morganton, NC, Clyde Washington of Bristol, VA, and Tyrone Jackson of Bristol, VA; daughters, Cherie (Fred) Broadwater, Joana Brooks, and Melinda Stevens, all of Bristol, VA; sisters, Gaul Jones, Linda (Michael) Perkins, Coshia Pearson, and Amanda Pearson; brothers, Robert (Kim) Pearson, and Alfonso Pearson; sisters-in-law, Ella Scales, Melanie Burts, Rita Sheadrick, and Sarah Brabson; daughter-in-law, Ashanta Jackson; and several grandchildren that were his world and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of life service will be conducted Monday, December 27, 2021, at 2 pm from Lee Street Baptist Church in Bristol, VA.