Thomas “Pete” Peterson, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the age of 76. Pete, also known as Tommy, was born in Columbia, Mississippi to Frank and Gertrude Peterson. He was a 1961 graduate of Columbia High School and served one tour of duty in Vietnam as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. After completing his military obligation, Pete returned to Columbia where he met and married Charlotte Bracey. They moved to Hattiesburg where they raised their two sons, Mike and Pat. Pete spent many years volunteering with local sports organizations and refereeing games across south Mississippi. Known for his strong work ethic, he was a dedicated employee spending his entire career with Tom’s Toasted Peanuts. He was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church and in retirement, Pete enjoyed serving his church as well as volunteering at the Lamar Baptist Association. He was devoted to his family and was a loving husband and father; however, his greatest title in life was Papa Pete to his two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and Pete is survived by his wife of 51 years, Charlotte Bracey Peterson; two sons, Thomas Michael “Mike” Peterson and Patrick Chance “Pat” Peterson and his wife, Sara; two grandchildren, Natalie Peterson and Chance Peterson. There will be a visitation for Pete on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Hattiesburg from 9:30am until 11:00am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am officiated by Doctor Billy Ready. Burial will be in the Bellevue Baptist Church Cemetery assisted by Brad Duncan, Mike Duncan, Doug Duncan, Christopher Bracey, Dale Bracey, and Redd Marsh serving as pallbearers.
