Robert Joseph "Joe" Peters

With profound sadness, we, the family of Robert Joseph (“Joe”) Peters, announce that our beloved father and grandfather peacefully passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 18, 2024 to begin his eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 86; he was attended by his family at the time of his death. Born on April 16, 1937, in Maryville, Tennessee, Joe embodied dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to God, his family, and his profession. As a young person, Joe was an active member of Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Friendsville, Tennessee, participated in Maryville’s Boy Scout troop 88, played trumpet in Maryville High School’s band and later in the Tennessee Tech marching band, and held leadership roles in 4-H and FFA. Joe spent all of his free time on the family farm with his father, J. Walter Peters, and mother, Helen Walker Peters. Through his involvement in church, scouting, music, and agricultural activities, Joe learned the values of community, service, and hard work from an early age.

A proud graduate of Maryville High School and Tennessee Technological University, Joe earned his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. Afterwards, Joe married the love of his life, Betty Sue Russell, and immediately moved to New Jersey for Joe to fulfill his military commitments with honor at Fort Dix, where he served as a captain in the United States Army. Joe's journey was marked by service and excellence, and upon fulfillment of his military duties, Joe transitioned to a distinguished career with DuPont that lasted more than 33 years, beginning in Waynesboro, Virginia and ending in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Joe made significant contributions as a Senior Research Engineer, Quality Manager, and Manager of Quality Assurance for the Chattanooga plant. He later assumed the role of Quality Manager for DuPont's Industrial Fibers Division worldwide. Joe and Betty had three children - Jenni, Rob, and Julie - and were members of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee for more than 50 years where he served as a Sunday school teacher for young adults, young married couples, youth, and children over the decades. Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe cultivated lifelong passions on his grandfather's farm, where he spent cherished moments with loved ones. Joe was also a member of Sons of the American Revolution.

In retirement, Joe's commitment to excellence continued through Peters Associates, a consulting entity he formed for the purpose of sharing his quality control expertise worldwide, including the assumption of responsibility for providing guidance for DuPont’s global industrial fibers registrations to ISO 9000 certifications. His legacy of love, perseverance, and service will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty Russell Peters, his parents, and his brother, Kent Thomas Peters. He is survived by his three children: Jennifer Peters (Blaine) Brint of Mountain Brook, AL; Robert J (Wendy) Peters II of Peachtree City, GA; and Julie Peters (Lee) Lannom of Cleveland, TN. Joe is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sophie Brint (Ted) Wages of Fort Bragg, NC; Mason Walker Brint of Auburn, AL; Anna Grace Peters, John Peters, and Liam Peters, all of Peachtree City, GA; Camron Lannom, Liz Lannom, and Cason Lannom, all of Cleveland, TN.

The family will be receiving family and friends Friday, February 23, 2024, at Big Spring Presbyterian Church located at 115 Meadow Rd, Friendsville, Tennessee 37737. The viewing will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a worship service at 11 a.m. followed by graveside services immediately afterwards. The service will be officiated by Dr. Gene Mims of Brentwood, Tennessee.

The family has requested no flowers be sent; instead, those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to the First Baptist Cleveland Church Building Fund.