Jesse "Frank" Franklin Peek Jr.

Peek, Jesse Franklin Jr., born April 15th, 1923 passed away Monday, October 24th at the age of 88. Frank Peek led a remarkable life as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, patriot, artist, entrepreneur and Christian. As a minister’s son and patriot, he entered the Army after graduating high school in New Market, Alabama in 1943. Proudly serving in the 82nd Airborne and served as flag bearer in the Allied Victory Parade through Berlin. Upon returning to Alabama, he enrolled in the University of Alabama in 1947 graduating with a Masters Degree in Art in 1951. It was during that time he met and married his sweetheart of 62 years, Jeannine Horne. Following marriage and graduation, he and his family moved to California where for twenty five years he worked as a professional ceramic lamp designer. In 1979, he retired from ceramics and moved back to his beloved Alabama. Frank also was nationally recognized as a Shaklee distributor and around Centre was known as “the vitamin man”. He was also choir director at Gadsden Church of the Nazarene. Frank was an extraordinary individual. While in California he built his own cabin cruiser piece by piece in his back yard, while at the University of Alabama he was campus jitterbug champion and a boxing champion during World War II. At the age of 75, he pitched on the church softball team where most of the players were less than half his age. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jeannine Peek, son Jeffery Peek, daughter, Hollie Francis-Porter, grandchildren, Desiree Peek, Mathew Peek, Brandon Peek, Hollie Peek Hudson, Trent Peek and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son David Allen Peek, father Rev. Jesse Franklin Peek, Sr., mother Mabel Stodghill Peek, one brother George Peek and two sisters, Corine Jennings and Virginia Poe Pallbearers will be Jeff Peek, Monroe Porter, Brandon Peek, Mathew Peek, Bud Ringer, John Freeman & Don Alston. Honorary: JC Stallings Come join us to celebrate Frank’s life, it will be honored at Perry Funeral Home, 1611 East Bypass Highway, Centre, AL on Saturday October 29th with viewing from 12 noon to 2pm immediately followed by a graveside service at Memory Garden Cemetery, 1125 Piedmont Highway, Centre, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Flights, Box 1524, Gadsden, AL 35902 PDF Printable Version

Jesse "Frank" Franklin Peek Jr.

October 24, 2011