Waco community remembers Robert Pearson as more than just a shoe shiner Credit: Sam Brown, friend and last updated 2021-05-05 19:13:44-04 WACO, TX â Robert Pearson was well known in the community for his shoe-shining business. But he was known for also being a good man with a great attitude, he always had a smile on his face and loved talking to new people. Pearson passed away at his apartment Monday after being declared dead only to find out he was alive and rushed to the hospital where he later passed and declared dead for a second time. With the community in mourning, some look back on the memories they made while Pearson was still here.