Ralph A. Pearson

Ralph A. Pearson, 81, of rural Williamsburg, passed away, Saturday morning, May 18, 2024 at his home.

He was born April 4, 1943, in rural Williamsburg, son of the late Mary V. (Moyer) Pearson.

On June 7, 1964, he married Dorie A. Miller at the Huntingdon Calvary Independent Baptist Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorie of almost 60 years; a son, Lyle W. Pearson (Trisha) of Williamsburg; a daughter, Laurie L. Pearson at home; two grandchildren: Wade A. Pearson and Paige E. Forke (Cody); a great-grandson, Colton; two special nieces: Mariann Quintanilla (Joseph) and Kim Irvin; and five great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy J. Pearson.

Ralph was a 1961 graduate of Williamsburg High School, where he played basketball, football and was a member of the FFA.

He was a United States Air Force veteran retiring Aug. 21, 1982, with more than 20 years of service, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His career had taken him to many permanent assignments in Texas, Korea, Virginia, Alaska, Arizona, Thailand, Florida and New Jersey. He had traveled to eight foreign countries, two U.S. territories and 41 states.

He spent 16 years as a supervisor and manager in petroleum operations. SM. Sgt Pearson was credited with improving many operations, but the two most notable were at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he was the superintendent of base fuels and was in charge of a force of 85 people. His branch was selected fifth out of 150 fuels accounts. In 1981 at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ as the fuels superintendent in charge of a force of 104 personnel and assets totaling over $168 million annually, his branch was honored as the third best in the Air Force. Sgt. Pearson decorations include: Airmen’s Medal, Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, six Air Force Good Conduct Medals, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Medal, two Professional Military Education Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Twice during his career he was selected as the Best Fuels Superintendent in his command: in 1975 with the Air Force Systems Command and in 1982 with the Military Airlift Command.

Following his military career he worked for Sun Oil Company (Sunoco) in Marcus Hook, and later as a supervisor for the Tyrone Paper Mill (Westvaco).

He was a life member of the former Yellow Springs Lutheran Church, where he served on church council and as president of the Yellow Springs Cemetery Association. Ralph was a member of the Glacier Lodge #10 F&AM in Anchorage, Alaska and Jaffa Shrine, Altoona, where he served as the commander of the Legion of Honor. He was also a member of the Bonner-Sollenberger American Legion Post 456 and the former Williamsburg Memorial VFW Post 6086.

He enjoyed going to auctions for antiques, restoring anything old (including his home), fishing, camping, hunting, crafts and hobby farming with his grandchildren.

A Masonic service was held Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg, (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com). Pastor Elizabeth Hess and Pastor Will Robins officiated. Interment with military honors was held at Yellow Springs Lutheran Cemetery, rural Williamsburg.

Contributions in memory of Ralph can be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o http://www.donate.loveotherescue.org or Williamsburg Vol. Fire Company, 305 E. Second St., Williamsburg, PA 16693.