Obituary for John Howard Peterson
John Howard Peterson of Brevard passed away peacefully at his home on Monday March 2, 2020 surrounded by loving family. He was the son of the late James Manual Peterson and Macie Wells Peterson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, John Smith Peterson, his brother, Abner Frank Peterson, and his sister Jimmie Peterson Fergeson. He is survived by siblings: RoAnn Balding (Arvil), Donnie Madden (Dean-deceased), Jean Landreth (Denny-deceased), Charles Peterson (Beverly), and Kay Powell (Gary); daughters: Jane Ogle (BJ) and Mary Peterson and daughter-in-law, Kim Lyman Peterson; grandchildren, Caitlin Peterson, Hannah Peterson, Avery Hargro, Kloie Peterson, Bryson Ogle, Coleman Ogle, Macie Ogle and Zariyah Ramirez; a multitude of nieces and nephews; mother of his children, Beverly Dillon and special extended family member Dwayne Crump.
John was born October 31, 1945 in Rutherfordton, NC. He and his family moved to Brevard when he was 3. He excelled in sports at Brevard High playing basketball, baseball, running track and was a proud member of the 1963-64 Integrated Football team under the direction of Cliff Brookshire. Several years after graduating High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force alongside his brothers Frank and Charlie. During his time of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon.
After returning from Vietnam, he attended Brevard College, got married and had Jane, Mary and Smitty. He enjoyed a long career as an agency manager with Farm Bureau Insurance then served in Congressmen Charles Taylor’s office as a Veteran’s liaison. He was proud to be a native of Transylvania County. He was the youngest to ever be elected to city council. He served on the Brevard City Council for 26 years, followed by 4 years as the mayor of Brevard. At this time, he holds the record for the longest running civil servant of Transylvania County/City of Brevard.
He coached boys Transylvania little league baseball all the way up through senior league as well as AAU traveling ball throughout the year and basketball when his time warranted. He was an avid hunter and fly fisherman. He enjoyed spending countless hours on Rich Mountain and on Bad Creek in Mitchell County with his family relaxing and spending quality time together. He loved the Lord, He loved his family, his community and the outdoors. He was head over heels in love with each of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He passed on his loves to his children and his grandchildren and his legacy will live on through them.
The funeral service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 7, 2020 at First Baptist Church Brevard. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory with military rites conducted by the Transylvania County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 2 PM Saturday at the church.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
John was born October 31, 1945 in Rutherfordton, NC. He and his family moved to Brevard when he was 3. He excelled in sports at Brevard High playing basketball, baseball, running track and was a proud member of the 1963-64 Integrated Football team under the direction of Cliff Brookshire. Several years after graduating High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force alongside his brothers Frank and Charlie. During his time of service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon.
After returning from Vietnam, he attended Brevard College, got married and had Jane, Mary and Smitty. He enjoyed a long career as an agency manager with Farm Bureau Insurance then served in Congressmen Charles Taylor’s office as a Veteran’s liaison. He was proud to be a native of Transylvania County. He was the youngest to ever be elected to city council. He served on the Brevard City Council for 26 years, followed by 4 years as the mayor of Brevard. At this time, he holds the record for the longest running civil servant of Transylvania County/City of Brevard.
He coached boys Transylvania little league baseball all the way up through senior league as well as AAU traveling ball throughout the year and basketball when his time warranted. He was an avid hunter and fly fisherman. He enjoyed spending countless hours on Rich Mountain and on Bad Creek in Mitchell County with his family relaxing and spending quality time together. He loved the Lord, He loved his family, his community and the outdoors. He was head over heels in love with each of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He passed on his loves to his children and his grandchildren and his legacy will live on through them.
The funeral service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 7, 2020 at First Baptist Church Brevard. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory with military rites conducted by the Transylvania County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 2 PM Saturday at the church.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.