Alonzo J. Pearson (A.J.), affectionately known as "Junny," was born January 4, 1942. Surrounded by family, on July 9, 2026, he went peacefully to be with Jesus.

A.J. was a faithful member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and the Gideons. He proudly served in the United States Army.

Giving was more than a habit for A.J.; it was who he was. His generosity was unmatched: he donated to countless charities and organizations and was just as quick to help a family member, friend, or stranger in need. A.J. didn't just give financially. Many lives were changed because he gave of his time, his laughter, his love, and his wisdom.

A.J. was a proud member of IBEW Local 270, where he served as an instructor for the Oak Ridge Electrical Apprenticeship Program and later as President of the local. He also served as Training Director for both the Oak Ridge and Knoxville apprenticeship programs. His passion for education and training led him to the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) in 1976, where he became Executive Director in 1986. After retiring in 2004, A.J. returned home to Tennessee and once again took up the role of Training Director for the Knoxville and Oak Ridge apprenticeship programs. His commitment to the trade he loved never wavered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo J. Pearson Sr. and Reba Pearson; his brothers, Ralph Pearson, Bill Pearson, and Jimmy Pearson; and his wife, Carolyn Pearson.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Clark; his son, Chuck Pearson (Kim); his daughters, Laura Johnson (Richie) and Cindy Sanderfur (Ethan); his sister, Nancy Berrong (Tom); his grandchildren, Cora Vaughn (Alan), Kitty Pearson, Nikki Mesic (Chris), Nate Marsh, Olivia Sanderfur, Pierson Sanderfur, and Quinn Sanderfur; and a host of nephews, nieces, and countless friends he dearly loved, including the work community that became his family.

A.J.'s influence reached far beyond his career. He taught us about kindness, compassion, and generosity. He embodied loyalty and friendship, and it was often in quiet moments that he taught us the most about being faithful and loving. For these lessons, we are forever grateful.

His love for his family was tangible; there was nothing he wouldn't do for the people he loved. His commitment to the industry he served was unrivaled. And his love for God carried him through this life into the next.

A.J., to quote you: you're special, we love you, and we miss you.

Service Information

Friends may be received Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, with a service to follow, at Smith Funeral Home, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Anderson Memorial Gardens, 640 Oliver Springs Highway, Clinton, TN 37716.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities A.J. supported: Wounded Warriors, Shriners, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or Friends of Tennessee's Babies with Special Needs.

Everyone is encouraged to wear orange!