John "Johnny" Joseph Pearson, Jr.

John "Johnny" Joseph Pearson Jr., 42, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away after an extended illness with family at his side. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on July 15, 1983. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Larry and Virginia Everhart, Carol Eishen and Kenneth Pearson, Sr., and a niece, Nevaeh Pearson.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Catharina and Wayne Powers, brothers, Matthew Pearson and Alen Pearson, father, John Pearson, Sr., nieces, Isabella and Kristina Pearson, nephews, Mason and Kolton Pearson, aunts, Sandy (Dave Rice) Goble, Elizabeth (Tim) Frye, uncle, Paul Everhart, step-uncle, Justin Twiss, step-grandparents, Lessa and Tom Brady, step-great grandmother, Doris Horner.

Growing up the oldest of three boys, John, had his work cut out for him. He took on the role of big brother and did his best to lead the way for Matthew and Alen. Being a big brother wasn't easy, but he decided early on whatever was happening he would do it with a smile on his face and a joke ready at hand. He grew up in Fremont, but just before his senior year in high school he decided to move down to Florida with his mom and step-dad to finish high school near them.

John's path in life lead him into some unique directions. His creative mind opened up the door to fantasy role playing in Dungeons and Dragons. He loved to dive into the plots and create characters to keep the story lines running endlessly. His love of role playing was also fed by a budding interest in video gaming. An avid movie buff, he could kick back and watch just about any kind of movie. It wasn't just watching the movies that held his attention. He had an extensive movie collection. This ensured whatever movie he wanted to watch was at his fingertips whenever the mood struck. The collecting bug also carried over into other areas, like the Funko Pop figures. John was more of a homebody and it suited him fine to just be around the house to play games or watch movies.

His family could see he was just a big kid at heart. Like a kid he loved animals and his best buddy was his Pitbull Rottweiler mix, Butch. Butch protected and loved him unconditionally. Family gatherings were a favorite special time to him. He loved having everyone around so he could pull out a few of his latest and best jokes to keep the party going and put a smile on everyone else's face. One of their favorite places to visit as a family was Gatlinburg. As it turned out Wayne's job allowed him the opportunity to move to Tennessee. John was still in Florida for the first few years after Cat and Wayne moved. While he was in Florida, he received a cancer diagnosis. It wasn't long before he decided to join them in Tennessee.

Once Cat and Wayne settled into Woodbury, they sought out a church family to worship with. They found their church family with The Experience Community Church. John attended with them until his health prevented it. He stayed positive through listening to Christian music on his phone and kept smiling and joking whatever was going on. The connection he made with God through the music helped him when he couldn't be at church. Cat devoted herself to become his caretaker and constant companion. The other family and Butch were right there too. The family gatherings in 2025 were all the more special to John and the family. They were able to celebrate the 4th of July and throw him a big birthday party shortly after the 4th. Although the family is heartbroken from his passing they can fondly remember John's jokes and his beaming smile for the years to come.

Shortly before his passing, his dog, Butch also passed. Butch was cremated and John's wish was to be cremated to be with him. The family will hold a private celebration of life to honor John's life and memory. Those who wish to may make memorial donations to a charity for brain cancer research. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to Caris Hospice and Senior Helpers for their love, care and compassion throughout his illness.

Share condolences and stories with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.