John Frederick Peterson, Jr.

Retired Sergeant First Class John Frederick Peterson, Jr. – 77 Ray City, Georgia

John Frederick Peterson, Jr., 77, of Ray City, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born on March 6, 1948, in Regensburg, Germany, to the late John Frederick Peterson, Sr., and Elizabeth Bono Peterson.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army, dedicating 26 years of honorable service and retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Following his military career, he continued his commitment to public service as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he worked diligently for 23 years until his second retirement.

Known for his strong work ethic, John found fulfillment in staying active and being productive. He was a people person at heart — he never met a stranger and had a gift for connecting with everyone he encountered. Whether through his work or daily life, John left a lasting impression with his kindness, stories, and warm conversation.

Along with his parents, John is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Ann Fender Peterson; great granddaughter, Alexis Woods and his sister, Elizabeth Nielsen-Gildea.

He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Peterson of Ray City, Georgia and Ann Tillman of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren: Mikey Wilson, Julie Ann Woods, Sara Lynn Ellis and Joshua Banfield; great grandchildren: Aadain Woods, Hunter Woods, Kaylee Ellis and Liam Ellis; great-great grandchildren: Audreigh Woods and Berkei Woods; brother, Wayne Peterson of Sarasota, Florida; sister, Peggy Golden of Borgo, NY; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025 in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland with burial to follow in Fender Cemetery, Lakeland, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the funeral home. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The Peterson family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.