Robert David Peters—son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and traveler whose journey touched so many lives.
Robert was born on December 28, 1955, to Wilburn Ray Peters and Olive Gertrude Combs Peters. On June 26, 2026, Robert passed away peacefully in his sleep, blanketed with love after a long and courageous battle with liver cancer.
He grew up in Jackson County as the youngest of five children, a role that may have helped shape the humor, determination, and resilience that would define him throughout his life.
If there is one thing everyone knew about Robert, it was that he was a hard worker. He believed in showing up, getting the job done, and taking care of the people he loved. But he also knew how to enjoy life. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a love for adventure, and a willingness to help others that never faded.
Robert was the kind of person who would answer the phone no matter the time of day. He was a great listener, someone people could talk to when they needed advice, support, or simply someone to hear them. If anyone called needing help, there was a good chance Robert was already on his way. He never hesitated to come to the rescue of family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers. Helping others wasn’t something he did occasionally—it was simply who he was.
Robert loved to travel. Whether it was a road trip, a flight across the country, or a cruise across the ocean, he was always ready to see what was around the next corner. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that if there was a way to get somewhere by land, sea, or air, Robert was willing to try it.
What makes his love of travel even more remarkable is that it never stopped—not even after his diagnosis with liver cancer. While many people would have slowed down, Robert chose a different path. He continued living. He continued dreaming. He continued planning.
Between doctor’s appointments and treatments, he was busy organizing the next adventure with family members. Many of those adventures included flights, road trips, and cruises to places like Las Vegas; the Grand Canyon; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; New York City; Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Vermont; Maine; Plymouth Rock; Washington DC; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Alaska; British Columbia, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; Mackinaw Island; Wisconsin; Mexico, and several trips to Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and the Bahamas. These became more than destinations. They became memories. They became opportunities to laugh, connect, and make the most of every moment.
Cancer may have challenged his body, but it never conquered his spirit.
Robert taught us an important lesson through the way he lived his final years. He showed us that life is not measured by the obstacles we face but by the memories we create, the people we love, and the experiences we embrace along the way.
One of Robert’s greatest joys was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, making memories, and joining in their adventures no matter his age. He wasn’t the kind of grandfather who simply watched from the sidelines. He got right in the middle of the fun. Whether it was playing games, sharing stories, or heading outside to play in the snow, Robert was always ready to join in.
In fact, one winter he was sledding with his grandchildren and having such a good time that he ended up breaking his tailbone. While most people might have taken that as a sign to slow down, it simply became another story to laugh about. That moment perfectly captured who Robert was—fully engaged, fully present, and always willing to endure a little discomfort if it meant making memories with the people he loved.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn Ray Peters and Olive Gertrude Combs Peters; his beloved wife, Robyn Jeanette Ballinger Peters; his brother, Jerry Peters; his sister, Linda Sue Ball and her husband, Charlie Ball; his daughter-in-law, Angela Marie Rountree; his nephew, David Ray Peters; and his brothers-in-law, Larry Ballinger and Michael Ballinger.
He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly: brother Jimmy Peters; sister Doris Peters; sister-in-law Karen Peters; daughter Sonya Kirkpatrick and her husband Ryan; son Bobby Peters; sisters-in-law Deborah Cash and Marcia Ballinger; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was a proud grandfather to Alexis King, Dylan Isaacs, Ciana Owens, Michael King, Zoe Tuggle, Neal Mitchell, Zander Kirkpatrick, and Zada Kirkpatrick. He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Myla Neeley, Ellie Neeley, Amari King, Julian Isaacs, and Oliver Smith.
He is also survived by his best friend, Jeff Carpenter, whose friendship meant so much throughout the years.
As we remember Robert today, we will remember his laughter. We will remember his stories. We will remember his determination and his refusal to let cancer steal his joy. We will remember the miles he traveled and the memories he created. We will remember the countless times he showed up when someone needed him. Most of all, we will remember the love he gave so freely to his family and friends.
While our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort knowing that he is reunited with those who went before him, especially the love of his life, Robyn.
Robert’s journey on earth may have come to an end, but his story continues through every one of us. It lives on in the lessons he taught, the memories he gave us, and the love he leaves behind.
So today, rather than focusing on the years that were taken from him, let us celebrate the life he lived. A life filled with laughter, hard work, adventure, family, service to others, and love.
And if Robert were here today, he probably wouldn’t want us sitting around being too sad for too long. He’d likely be asking where we’re headed next, offering to drive, and reminding us to enjoy the ride.
Robert, thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every trip, every rescue, and every memory. We love you. We miss you. And we will carry you with us wherever life’s road may lead.
