John Peeples

John Vanderbilt “Tubby” Peeples, 67, son of the late Vanderbilt Peeples and the late Linda Barrett Peeples, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his two sons, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John Peeples Jr.(Kimberly) and Stephen Peeples (Jennifer); and daughter, Meghan Peeples (Chris Higgins, friend); grandchildren Amanda, Abigail, Zachary, and Vanderbilt Peeples; sister, Tamra Smith (Stan); nephew, Matthew Smith; nieces, Sarah Rhodes (James) and Nicole Smith (Mason Frier, fiancé); and faithful K9 companion, Griff. John was born in Sumter, S.C., attended Edmunds High School, and graduated from the Camden Military Academy in 1968. A retired U.S. Army veteran, John served his country proudly in posts around the world to include Cagnew Station, Ethiopia; Okinawa, Japan; Sinai Peninsula, Egypt; and South Korea. An avid South Carolina Gamecock fan, golfer, and NASCAR enthusiast, John enjoyed both watching and analyzing every game, stroke, and race with his family and friends. He was the life of the tailgate, always displaying the garnet and black. He enjoyed morning fellowship at the Irmo Waffle House and his visits to the Riverbanks Zoo. Above all, John treasured time with his family and friends. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, nephew, and nieces. Born into a large and loving family on both the Peeples and Barrett sides, John enjoyed reunions and every opportunity to get together. He touched the lives of many with his infectious smile, powerful voice, and commanding presence. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 2:00pm on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home in Sumter, S.C., and other times at the home of sister, Tamra Smith. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00pm Saturday with a graveside service to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, P.O. Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202. Family and Friends may sign the online guest book at www.ecsfuneralhome.com. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.