January 30, 2026, 80, Pikeville – Frank Cragin Pearson, 80, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Portland, Maine on September 6, 1945, he was the son of the late Edgar Thomas and Lillian Alberta Cragin Pearson.
Frank is survived by his wife, Gayle Bush Pearson; sons, Craig Pearson (Kim) and Jeff Pearson (Gayleson); step-daughter, Lauren Alphin; sister, Judith Hepburn; grandchildren, Jordan Pearson (Samantha), Tucker Pearson (Michelle), Tyson Pearson (Ana), and Hannah Pearson; step-grandchildren, London Alphin, Haydn Alphin, and Ariel Wagoner; great-grandchildren, Owen Pearson, Evie Pearson, and was anticipating the birth of Mila Pearson in the coming weeks; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Frank Pearson was a master craftsman, lifelong builder, and devoted enthusiast of all things mechanical and historic. His life’s work and passions left a lasting mark on the communities of Orange and Alamance Counties.
Frank attended North Carolina State University for a year before beginning his career with Nello Teer Construction Company. His entrepreneurial spirit and love of motorcycles soon led him to co-own a motorcycle shop in Hillsborough, a natural extension of his passion for racing motorcycles. That same drive and dedication later guided him back to construction, where he built homes and founded his own company, Frank Pearson and Associates.
A master carpenter and builder, Frank worked in the construction industry for more than 60 years. His skill, integrity, and attention to detail were evident in every project he undertook, and his work continues to stand as a testament to his craftsmanship throughout the region.
Beyond his professional life, Frank was an avid train collector and proud member of the Train Collectors Association. He co-founded the Mebane Train Museum, sharing his love of trains and history with the wider community. He also found great joy in collecting and restoring antiques, appreciating the stories and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Frank will be remembered for his ingenuity, work ethic, and deep appreciation for craftsmanship—whether in wood, metal, or history itself. His legacy lives on through the many structures he built, the collections he preserved, and the communities he helped shape.
A private service for the family will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Mebane Train Display, 209 W Jackson Street, Mebane, NC 27302.
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