Willis Peeler June 21,1933-March 27,2017
Today we pause in humble submission to the will of the one and only true God in heaven who in his perfect timing has called home to eternity one of his faithful servants, Willis Lea Peeler. Willis was born to the late Carl Peeler and Luciel Stokley Peeler on June 21, 1933 in Greenville, TN. He was the seventh of nine children.
He received his formal education in Greenville, TN. Despite his reputation as class clown, Willis graduated as Salutatorian of his High School class. He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Stokley at Friendship Baptist Church in Greenville, TN.
In 1951 he enlisted into the United States Navy where he served honorably for thirty years. Willis served as Ship’s Serviceman where he was responsible for managing and operating all shipboard retail and service activities on various ships. He traveled around the world on various ships, such as the USS Ogden, USS Intrepid, USS Vancouver, and finally ended up in San Diego, CA retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
In 1956, while serving in the United States Navy he met and married his sweetheart Mary Caston in New York City, NY. They were blessed with two daughters.
In October 1964 he relocated his family from Norfolk, VA., to San Diego CA. After retiring from the Navy Willis attended college at ECC and earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. He was on the Dean’s List each semester.
Willis found a second career working security for Solar Turbines, Inc. where he retired. He and Mary also devoted their time as volunteers at the San Diego Food Bank. Willis received an honorarium award for his outstanding support and community service to senior citizens from the State of California.
Willis loved the water but also cherished his life on the land as a devoted husband and father. Willis was an avid fisherman and enjoyed going out on his boat with his children and grand-children. He also enjoyed caring for his yard, which was always immaculate, bowling in various leagues, and maintaining the family vehicles.
Willis was received by his heavenly father on March 27th where he joined his parents and siblings Albert, Otis, James, Arlie, Carl Jr., and Dorothy. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories his wife Mary, his daughter Beverly Thompson and her husband Ronald, his daughter Jeannie Johnson and her husband Michael, his grand-daughter Teri Thompson-Bratten and her husband Kevin, his grandson Michael Johnson II and his wife Lauren, his grandson Matthew Johnson and his wife Annmarie, two sisters: Frances Norton and Carolyn Peeler, four great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and his life-long colleague and friend, LT Laverne Josey, USN RET.
Those who knew him will remember him as a creative storyteller, and as a man with a great sense of humor and quick wit. We will be sustained by fond memories until we are reunited with him again in heaven.
Services were held Monday, April 3, 2017 at Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary. Interment at Miramar National Memorial Park. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
