J. Wayne Peterson

Wayne was born in Pensacola, FL on August 10, 1949, to his parents James Carl Peterson and Daphne (“Duffy”) Barnes Peterson.

He attended Miami Norland Senior High School where he graduated in 1967. Wayne was a standout pitcher on the Vikings baseball team. He earned a baseball scholarship to Indian River Junior College but decided to join the military.

Wayne joined the United States Air Force in May 1968 first serving in Brindisi, Italy. Following that duty station, Wayne drove his blue Volkswagen Beetle from Miami to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska where he continued his service as a Radio Intercept Analyst. Wayne achieved the rank of Sergeant prior to discharge in April 1972.

Just before ending his military service, he met his wife Pam while on leave in Miami. Meeting the love of his life changed his course. He decided to not re-enlist and chose to start a life with her.

Wayne and Pam married on June 23, 1973, and were married for 49 years.

Wayne entered law enforcement with the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1973 working as a patrol officer in the Northwest District where he received numerous letters of commendation from supervisors for exceptional performance.

On May 25, 1974, Wayne and Pam had their only child Jason Wade Peterson.

After leaving Miami in 1979, Wayne and Pam returned to Pensacola where Wayne continued his law enforcement career with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for a year.

After a short career in the Fire Service at Pensacola Naval Air Station, he began working in the used car business with his father “Carl” at Peterson Motors on W Street.

Wayne worked in the car business for over 30 years making many friends along the way.

Wayne was as generous as one could be. He loved his family and dogs fiercely, and never missed an opportunity to have a cocktail with friends, or to gather around a TV to watch the Florida Gators play. He also loved to bream fish any chance he could get.

Wayne loved his wife Pam beyond words. They had a special 49 years together.

Wayne loved his son Jason and his daughter in law, Shanty, very much. He was very proud of their accomplished careers in law and education. He also loved his grandsons and cherished every moment he spent with them. They always looked forward to the infamous Christmas gifts that their “Paw Paw” would surprise them with every year.

Wayne loved his dogs. He was predeceased by Beau (wedding gift for which he had to pay 1/2 of the price) Buffy, Beaner, Bonnie, Precious and Valentine. He leaves behind Monty and Brutus.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Pamela Hughes Peterson; son, Jason Wade Peterson (Shanty); grandsons, Jase, Barrett, and Brant Peterson; sisters, Phyllis Solloway Jones and Donna Jean Burks (Mark) and numerous nieces, a nephew, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Carl Peterson and mother, Daphne “Duffy” Barnes Peterson Soloway.

Pallbearers are Jason Peterson, Jase Peterson, Barrett Peterson, and Brant Peterson

A special thank you to Vitas Hospice and nurses Ellen, Gina, April, Valerie, Claire, and Duong for providing compassionate care and comfort in Wayne’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Wayne’s name to the American Cancer Society, or a local animal shelter of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BayviewFisher-PouChapel.com for the Peterson family.