In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Karl Pearl. Celebration of Life will be Thursday, August 18, 2022 10:12am at Hoosier United Methodist Church 2545 Benjamin E. Mays Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. Interment will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr. Canton, GA 30114. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 17, 2022 12noon-6:00pm. Family will receive friends from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Grissom-Clark F.H. 404-373-3191. On October 28, 2020, Karl Pearl was born in Baltimore Maryland on October 12, 1964 to Mrs. Evelyn Sheila Carter Pearl and
Robert Pearl Sr. He was the second oldest of four children.
Karl forged his relationship with God early in life and that never wavered.
A fun-loving adventurer and explorer, he loved traveling and experiencing the wonders of life. Karl’s
smile could light up any room, his wonderful laugh could make you smile from ear to ear and laugh right
along with him, and his hugs were quite special. He had a commanding presence that could garner the
attention in any room.
Karl, loved going fishing,and he would often speak about how much he enjoyed fishing with his dad as a
child. The memories and his enjoyment of fishing translated over to his own sons Ian and Noah, and his
wife of twenty four years, Shelett. Karl enjoyed being with his family, we did most things together as a
family. We were always at our best together.
Karl talented and well versed in various subject areas; there were very few things that he could not speak
about, and always rose to the occasion, even on short notice. Karl was born with an athletic prowess. He
was fitness oriented during his young adult years and enjoyed lifting steel and pumping iron to keep his
physique primed and ready to go. He studied the karate tradition of martial arts, played basketball, ran
track where he was a distance relay runner and hurdler, but his true passion and talent was for football.
He played throughout his high school years with commitment and heart to win every time he stepped
onto the playing field; he was known to bring the force and the pain--the crushing annihilator. Karl
knew all the playbook plays to the point he would instantly know what play to run. Karl could have easily
assumed the role of head coach anywhere--he was unequivocally that good.
Upon graduating from Sparrows Point High School June 5, 1982, Karl heard the call of the resounding
sea, and decided to go see what he could see at sea with the United States Navy. After boot-camp, he
was assigned fleet duty as a Navy fireman. Karl’s innate talent and ability to adapt and process information
positioned him to excel in leadership. Karl became Petty Officer of his Platoon and became the designated
driver for Senior Chief Mcshay. During their time together, they formed a close bond with mutual respect
and admiration for one another.
Karl progressed to join the ranks of the selective and distinguished U.S. Navy Presidential Ceremonial
Guard where he became the Platoon Leader over the entire Drill Team (firing party, body bearers, drill
team, and daily operations). During the Reagan era, Karl had the honor and distinction of being Head
of Security for Caspar W. Weinberger, United States Secretary of Defense. Karl’s awarded decorations,
medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons authorized: Meritorious Unit Commendation; Joint
Service Achievement Medal; SSGN Strategic Deterrent Patrol Insignia; Designated In Submarines; Good
Conduct Award(1st); Navy Achievement Medal.
After serving in these roles, Karl journey returned him to sea. While on the submarine, Karl sustained an injury that brought his illustrious Naval career to a close. Navigating to civilian life was an adjustment,
but one that Karl did well as always. He became a highly sought after Business Executive, Strategist and
Consultant utilizing skills that had learned and perfected. As a veteran, Karl remained connected with
his fellow serviceman. Honor and service remained close in his heart. Karl was all “Navy” through and
through-- Once a Navy man, always a Navy man. Karl was honored to serve as the President of the U. S.
Navy Ceremonial Guard Alumni Association from 2019 to present.
Karl has had a very interesting life, and sometimes his stories could be quite comical as well as, impactful.
He was a born leader, and always knew he was created for a greater purpose in life. Karl was very giving of
himself though his time, his knowledge, his insight, and his wisdom to others he encountered along his
journey; he enjoyed mentoring and inspiring others to find their purpose for their life’s success.
Karl--The Dreamer, The Great Achiever, enjoyed the best splendors of life and had many plans outlined
ahead.
Karl is dearly loved, cherished, and held near and dear by his wife, Shalett, his sons Ian and Noah, and his
mother-in-law, Soleil whom he considered and called mom; Sibling, Robert James Pearl Jr., Rose Marie
Pearl and her son Alex, Michael L. Pearl, and Kris Morgan. Karl is loved by so many wonderful friends
and family

www.grissom-clarkfh.com