George R. Peterson

Peterson, George R., age 89, of Knoxville, previous resident of Lafollette, TN and Naples, FL, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2011. He was of the Methodist Faith. George was born on October 2, 1922 in Belmont, MA. He received a Chemical Engineering degree in 1943 at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. In 1943 he began work as a research scientist on the Manhattan Project at the Oak Ridge nuclear facility, in Oak Ridge, TN. He worked on development of U235 for use in the first atomic bomb. He retired in 1979 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Y 12 in Oak Ridge, TN. George was an inventor, avid sportsman, traveler, and craftsman. Preceded in death by parents, John and Eva Peterson, 2 sisters and 1 half- sister.

Survived by beloved wife of 40 years, Wilma Walters Creed Peterson; children, Mark Peterson and wife Carol, Miles Peterson and wife Lynette, Malcolm Peterson and wife Wendy, Melanie Ann Pruesser and husband Don, and Jorjan Peterson; step children, Jack Creed and wife Sherrill, Jilda Creed Kettel and husband Bob, Tom Creed and wife Jane; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Thanks to the caregivers from Senior Citizens Home Assistant Service. Also special caregiver Judy Lewis.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 pm Saturday, January 7, 2012 with a memorial service at 2 pm in the Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel with the Reverend Ronnie Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Parkinsons Disease Foundation or Knox County Cancer Society. Arrangements by Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 2300 W. Adair Dr. Condolences may be offered at www.lynnhurstchapel.com