Henry Elmer Peterson Jr., 84, of Bay Minette, died at home Thursday, June 5, 2014 following an extended illness while under hospice care.
Mr. Peterson was born and raised in Gateswood to Henry Elmer Peterson Sr. and Bama Peterson.
He was well known in the Gateswood community. He and his family moved to Bay Minette in 1956.
He was active in his church and his community.
Mr. Peterson loved to help others. He served on the disaster relief team at First Baptist Church, helping others in need.
He was an active supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He also loved to hunt and fish.
Mr. Peterson served in the United States Army, and was activated with the 711th AAA Gun Battalion during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Peterson retired from Scott Paper Co. in 1989 where he was a maintenance supervisor.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling across the country. They also enjoyed spending time at their camp in Gateswood, Camp Cross Creek.
He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Philena “Doll” Waters Peterson of Bay Minette; his sons, Michael A. (Barbara) Peterson and George David Peterson, both of Bay Minette; his daughters, Cathy Lynn Peterson of Bay Minette and Linda Peterson (Mike) Johnson of Gateswood; four grandsons, Charles “Chuck” Kernells, Brandon Lee Kernells, Michael P. Brabner and Stephen R. Brabner; seven great-grandchildren, Christian Lee Kernells, Blakeley Kernells, Tanner Kernells, Taylor Rose Kernells, Emily Brabner, Keira Allison Brabner and Luke Henry Brabner; and a sister, Eileen Studlar of Theodore.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald S. Peterson; a brother and five sisters.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 10 a.m., at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Chip Starnes and Dr. Henry Cox officiating.
Burial will follow at Hamilton Baptist Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday, June 6, 2014, from 5 until 8 p.m., at Norris Funeral Home and Saturday, June 7, 2014, from 9 until the 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Michael P. Brabner, Charles E. Kernells III, Brandon Lee Kernels, Gary Wters, Chris Steward and David Horton.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Peterson, Mack Duck, O’Neal Messick, John Ellis, Don “Ho” Horton, Herbert Waters, Marvin “Gopher” Boone and Stepehn R. Brabner.
The family would like to thank Community Hospice and friends, and special caregivers Angela Tuberville and Shauntae Long for their loving care during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hamilton Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 32815 County Road 112, Robertsdale, AL 36567, or to First Baptist Church of Bay Minette, P.O. Box 1628, Bay Minette, AL 36507.
Arrangements by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
