Charles Larry Peebles' Obituary
Charles “Larry” Peebles passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 14, at the age of 76. Born December 22, 1940 in Gregory, Arkansas, to the late Lloyd and Lois (Quinn) Peebles, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd, Jr., and is survived by his sister, Nancy Williamson of San Antonio, TX. He was a devoted husband to Sally (Mickey) for 55 years and a loving father to Chip (Dina) Peebles of Memphis, David Peebles of Taylors, South Carolina, and Pam Gear of Memphis. He was adored by his 4 grandchildren, Quinn, Emma, Christopher, and David Peebles, who affectionately called him Bubba.Larry was raised on a farm where the value of hard work, inculcated at a young age, prepared him to excel both academically and athletically. After graduating from Augusta High School, he attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship his freshman year, and then transferred to Arkansas State College, also on a football scholarship. There he was a letterman for three years, led the team as captain, and was named to the All-American team. Additionally, he was a member of the TKE fraternity. In the 1962 AFL draft, he was selected to play professional football by the Dallas Texans, who became the Kansas City Chiefs the following year. His prior commitment as a colonel in ROTC, however, prevented him from accepting the position, and he went on to serve two years in the Army. Stationed at Ft. Hood, TX, he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and tank commander in the 2nd Armored Division, also known as General Patton’s “Hell on Wheels.” As a member of the Desert Strike team, he kept a packed bag in the car so he could jump into action without hesitation.After his military service, he launched his career as a municipal bond salesman at the First National Bank of Memphis. He spent the next 40 years working in that capacity for several firms, including as a principle partner in Wood Brothers, Peebles and First Tennessee Bank.Larry was a legendary outdoorsman, renowned primarily as a duck hunter and a fisherman. It was not uncommon for the family Thanksgiving dinner to be planned around duck season with camouflage as standard apparel. For over 60 years he hunted with 3 childhood friends in a group known as “The Four Duckmen.” Although his proficiency as a marksman was proven by his selection as a shooter at national dog trials, it was his expert duck-calling that led a friend to comment, “The best hunting spot with Larry is not determined by the place, but rather by the call around his neck.” His contagious enjoyment of the outdoors was driven by his desire to focus less on the sport and more on meaningful fellowship among friends.“ ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ ” Matthew 4:19 is the scriptural command upon which Larry based his life, investing in the lives of countless men through various ministries at First Evangelical Church as elder, former president of his Sunday school class, and founder of the Men’s Fish Fry dinner which featured speakers from around the country. His greatest impact, however, was through the tireless, unseen, and unrecognized hours he spent cultivating relationships with men through weekday lunches, prayer breakfast groups, and faithful phone calls, seeking no glory for himself but only for his savior, Jesus Christ.The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 17 in the Fellowship Hall at First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120. His service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 in the Sanctuary at First Evangelical Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Evangelical Church or Doug Compton Ministries, 7074 Hwy 139, Paragould, AR 72450 www.dougcompton.com.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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