William Harold Peterson

William Harold Peterson, Jr., age 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Vidalia, GA to the late William Harold Peterson, Sr. and the late Frances Shumans Peterson Hudson. He was raised on his family farm in Montgomery County. In 1959, Harold and his family moved from Vidalia to Waynesboro. He retired after 39 years of serving as the meat market manager of Piggly Wiggly and began his own business, Peterson’s Pest Control.

Harold was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, where he was a deacon and a member of the Spares and Pairs Sunday School Class. Over the years, he sang in the choir, served as a Sunday School teacher and was involved in several committees.

Harold loved his community and was involved in many different organizations throughout his life. He was a charter member of the Waynesboro Jaycees, member of the Waynesboro Exchange Club for over 60 years and was a past president and was a member of the Georgia Field Trail Association. He was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on July 31, 1958 in Vidalia at Lodge No. 330 and in 1959 joined the Waynesboro Lodge No. 274 and was an active Master Mason for over 60 years. Harold was an Alee Shriner with the Waynesboro Shrine Club since June 14, 1975, where he served as past president twice and was a member of the Shriner Go Cart Unit. He was a member of the 32 degree Scottish Rite of Freemasons Valley of Augusta.

In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, studying his Bible, and gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing. Harold will be remembered for his love for the Lord, love for his family and friends, and for his witty personality.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathleen Adams Peterson; two daughters, Karen Hunt (Paul) of Douglasville, GA and Debbie Register (Alan) of Waynesboro; four grandchildren, Eric Quick of Waynesboro, Kimberly Diotte (Matt) of Evans, Megan Vandenbulcke of Waynesboro; and Mallory Sexton (Patrick) of Arlington, VA; eight great grandchildren, Brandon Quick, Cameron Quick, Kelcey Diotte, Ryleigh Diotte, Aiden Vandenbulcke, Luke Vandenbulcke, Liam Vandenbulcke, and Amelia Sexton; two brothers, Ray Peterson (Becki) of Watkinsville, and Jack “Pete” Peterson of Griffin; brother-in-law, Roger Adams of Vidalia; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Monday, April 4 at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Tuesday, April 5 at First Baptist Church in Waynesboro with Dr. G. Al Wright, Jr. and Rev. CA Register officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Gardens with Masonic Rites.

Active Pallbearers will be Chris Peterson, Craig Adams, Chuck White, Mike White, Bob Mallard, Rex Gerlinger, and Billy Oglesby.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Waynesboro Masonic Lodge, Waynesboro Shrine Club, Waynesboro Exchange Club, and Spares and Pairs Sunday School Class.

Remembrances may be made to the First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, 853 North Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 or Masonic Home of Georgia, PO Box 4193, Macon, GA 31208.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com .