Cecil Walter Peterson of Phenix City, AL, passed away on October 22, 2025, after a severe stroke that left him unable to recover. Born January 19, 1944, the eldest child of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil and Ida Elizabeth Peterson. Cecil went on to graduate from Phenix City High School in 1962 and joined the Air Force that same year. After nearly eight years of service, he left the Air Force as a Staff Sargent (E-5) to raise a family in South GA. There, Cecil used the skills learned in the Air Force to start a career in the plumbing trade. The slowdown in the construction industry in the mid-seventies forced Cecil to explore other career options. This is when he found his calling in Law Enforcement. Serving with the Albany Police Department, Cecil held several positions, including patrolman, detective, range master, armorer, and chaplain, all while earning his degree in Criminal Justice in 1981 from Albany State University. During this time, Cecil also served in the Air National Guard. After an almost 22-year career with APD, Cecil retired to join the ranks of another profession. Earning his teaching certificate from Albany State University (1995), he went on to teach in the New England area in 1998. He returned to the Phenix City area to teach. While he enjoyed history and thought he'd like to become a history teacher, he found work as a math instructor. He enjoyed working old police stories into his lessons for the students.
Cecil was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus, GA, Twin City Lodge #76 F. & A.M. of Opelika, AL, and Midland Lodge #144 F. & A.M. of Columbus, GA. Also, the Columbus Chapter 261 Order of Eastern Star, and Peachtree Court #2 Order of the Amaranth. Over the years, he was a member of both the Scottish Rite Valley of Albany and the Hasan Shrine of Albany.
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Cecil and Ida Elizabeth Peterson (Phenix City, AL), his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Madiline Reno Peterson (Phenix City, AL), his son-in-law, James Michael Russ (Chattanooga, TN), and step-grandson Jonathon Spencer (Albany, GA). He is survived by his children: Elizabeth Jane Peterson (Albany, GA), Angela Lynn Russ (Chattanooga, TN), C. Walter Peterson, Jr. (Tina) (Albany, GA), and Victoria D Lenhart (Tim) (Abilene, TX). Step Granddaughter Destanie Bloodworth (Matt) (Hogansville, GA), Sisters Mrs. Carolyn Fletcher (Ozark, MO) and Mrs. Anna Jackson (Stone Mountain, Ga).
His legacy lives on through his beloved family and the many lives he touched. A service to celebrate Cecil’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at First Baptist Church Porter Chapel of Columbus, 212 12th St., Columbus, GA 31901. Family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Columbus, P.O. Box 828, Columbus, GA 31902 in his honor.
