For half a century, Ricky Pearson has been a cornerstone of the tire business, working in various locations before settling at Total Tire in Statesboro. Now, after decades of dedicated service, Pearson is hanging up his work boots and stepping into retirement.
To honor his years of commitment, Total Tire will be holding a reception for Mr. Pearson on Tuesday morning, from 7:30 AM until lunchtime. The public is invited to stop by, shake his hand, and wish him well in this next chapter of his life.
Pearson’s career in the tire industry began shortly after finishing college. What was supposed to be a temporary job turned into a lifelong profession, spanning over four different companies. He spent 19 years at Stringer Tire, five years working in a wholesale warehouse in Savannah, and over two decades working at Nevil Tire. For the last four years, he has been a fixture at Total Tire.
Over the years, Pearson has done a little bit of everything. Sales, customer service, and plenty of hands-on work. His role has never been just about selling tires; it has been about building relationships.
“I used to tell customers that they wasn’t customers, they wasn’t friends, they was family,” Pearson said. “I have been fortunate to have great customers.”
“One of my favorite parts about doing what I do is that I’ve always had some good help, great co-workers,” he shared.
Though Pearson wasn’t originally from Statesboro, he moved there when he was just two years old, making it the only home he has ever truly known. His deep ties to the area have made him a familiar and trusted face for generations of customers.
Wherever Pearson went, his customers would tend to follow. He mentioned that other than being the oldest guy working where he would go, there would be people come in a tell him that their grandad recommended him because he told their grandad their first set of tires.
Pearson has seen the industry evolve firsthand, from the days of lock-ring tires, which were notorious for their safety hazards, to today’s more advanced and secure systems. “People don’t realize how dangerous this business can be,” he noted. “It’s a lot safer now, but you still have to watch what you’re doing.”
Throughout his career, he has seen his fair share of workplace accidents, but one in particular stood out, the worst he ever had. “I messed up my arm pretty bad, but it could've been much worse,” he recalled.
Despite the risks, Pearson continued in the industry, driven by his passion for his work and the connections he built with customers and coworkers alike.
He’s also witnessed firsthand the toll the work takes on the body. After years of heavy lifting and constant movement, Pearson has had his fair share of health struggles, including knee and back issues. “It’s time,” he admitted, regarding his decision to retire. “My body’s telling me to slow down.”
Pearson’s decision to retire isn’t just about his health, it’s also about spending more time with his wife Kathy of nearly 43 years. He will also have more time on his hands to go visit his daughter Susan up in Blacksburg, Virginia.
After years of long hours and demanding work, he looks forward to slowing down and focusing on life outside of the shop. While he may be retiring from his job, he won’t be disappearing completely. “I’ll still be doing business with them, just not as an employee,” he added.
He plans to enjoy his newfound free time, whether that means relaxing at home with his wife . Though the transition will take some getting used to, Pearson is ready for the change. “I’m gonna miss being busy,” he admitted. “Gonna miss seeing everybody, but it’s time.”
As we were talking, he joked that his co-worker Jessica's smile has been getting bigger and bigger as the time for him to go gets closer.
For now, though, Total Tire is inviting the community to celebrate his retirement and thank him for his years of service. So if you’ve ever bought a tire from Ricky Pearson, shared a laugh with him, or simply want to wish him well, stop by Total Tire this Tuesday morning. After 50 years of hard work, he’s certainly earned it.
Stop by Total Tire, located at 2703 Northside Dr W, Statesboro, GA.
