Melvin Daniel Peters

MELVIN DANIEL PETERS, 70, of Valdosta, died Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Smith Northview Hospital. He was born in Naylor a son of the late Irvin H. and Mary Frances Wilson Peters.

Following his mother's death, he was raised by his aunt, the late Charity Peters Cowart, while his father served in World War II. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors Degree in Speech Pathology, and a Masters Degree in Management of Mental Retardation Facilities. Mr. Peters enjoyed his position as Administrator of the Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Mr. Peters was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, formerly of First Presbyterian Church, and a church Elder. He was a kind and caring person, with interests in church and charities. He enjoyed studying the Bible in depth, had served on the Selection Board of Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, M.A.R.C. (Memphis) and L.A.R.C. (Lowndes). He was a member of the Valdosta Genealogy Society. Mr. and Mrs. Peters traveled throughout this country, England, France and Italy.

Survivors include his wife Beverly Speck Peters of Valdosta, and cousins, Almareen Dawkins of Valdosta, Jake and wife Bashie Copeland of Lake Park, Mary Copeland of Lake Park, Kenneth and wife Carolyn Jackson of Valdosta, Robert and wife Joyce Copeland of Valdosta, and Carlton and wife Linda Copeland of Alachua, FL. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marzee Speck of Valdosta, brother-in-law, Tom Speck of Black Mountain, NC, two nieces, Rachel Speck of Black Mountain, NC, and Sarah Isaacs of Memphis, TN, and his wife's many cousins who live in Mississippi, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his step-mother, Betty Abbott Peters, a sister and a half-sister.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at Trinity Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Richard Hart officiating. Interment will follow in Cat Creek Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602