Retired U.S. Navy Commander Franklin Dale Peele

Franklin D. Peele was the first child born into the Navy Photographer family of Horace Edgar Peele & Nola (Walters) Peele on November 20, 1940, in Goldsboro, NC. He shot his 1st commercial photography assignment at age 13.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy out of high school and served ashore, in aviation squadrons and in multiple ships including aircraft carriers, surface combatants, and submarines. His duties varied from routine photographic laboratory practice to navigating photoreconnaissance jets in combat, teaching in the Navy’s Advanced School of Photography, writing and directing motion pictures for the Chief of Naval Operations, and as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s audiovisual forces. Along the way he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in motion pictures and television from the University of Southern California. After 30 years of service, he retired as a Commander in 1988

Following retirement, he established a practice in commercial and fine art photography in Redlands. He was active in photographic organizations at local, state, and national levels. He earned the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Master Craftsman degree and Certified Professional Photographer. He was a 4-time president of the Redlands Camera Club (RCC) and developed their School of Photography. He was much admired for his speaking and presentation skills in the Fortnightly club and for his wit and talent as a writer. Inducted into Professional Photographers of California (PPC) Hall of Fame in 2013, he also was a recipient of their Carlos Lozano Mentor Award (2020) and was a Qualified Competition Judge as well as a Judging Panel Moderator. He served as the Inland Empire Professional Photographers and Videographers (IEPPV) President for 2 years and is an Honorary Life Member. In 2013 he was honored to be the 1st inductee into their Hall of Fame as well. He later was awarded the Barry Evans-Elmer Kingham Award. He was heavily involved in the education of beginning and professional photographers. He taught a popular macro photography class titled, “Drops, Splashes & Crashes”. Participating in photo expeditions near and far was one of his favorite activities and likely the subject of his favorite prints. His depth and scope of technical photographic knowledge, and the quality of his photographic work, have been an inspiration to many.

Frank said, “Photography has been my life. What photography means to me is the ability to express myself and grow in the process. ”

In recent years he also developed a love of cooking. His Key Lime Pies were much sought after at family events! He could be counted on to add a joke or pun to nearly any situation. Over the years he enjoyed classical music (including some pieces he could play on the piano), woodworking, playing games (primarily cards) with friends & at family gatherings and reading.

He considered his greatest treasures to be 62 years of marriage (12/20/61 ) to Sue, their daughter Donna (Tom), son Scott (Valerie), grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Franklin Dale Peele, age 83, of El Cajon, California passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 after a short but courageous fight against brain cancer and strokes.

Franklin is survived by his spouse, Susan Peele; his daughter Donna Boersma (Tom); his son Robert (Scott) Peele (Valerie); his sister Joyce Manker (Myron); his granddaughter Kylaine (Kylie) Wilson (Zac), grandson Benjamin Kimari, granddaughters Jessica (Jessie) Peele (Luke Verayo) and Rebecca (Becca) Peele and his great granddaughter Elaina Wilson.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger Peele and his sister Lori Davis.

A visitation viewing for Franklin will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 4:00 PM at El Cajon Mortuary & Cremation Service, 684 South Mollison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020.

Frank's Burial Service with Military Honors is scheduled for Monday, July 8. Attendees are expected to meet in Lane 2 just inside the gate of the Miramar National Cemetary by 12:45 PM to be part of the escorted processional to the service area.