At age six, he attended Haymarket Elementary School, Haymarket, VA. Upon graduation, he went to Osbourne High School and graduated in 1961. In July of that year, he joined the US Army where he served an eight-week basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, after graduation he was sent to Fort Belvoir, VA to a diesel and heavy equipment school and then served two and a half years in Karlsruhe, Germany.
On September 26, 1964, he married Dolores Michelli. During their 52 years of marriage, they raised two sons, Douglas, Jr. and Michael. They moved three times with Dolores employment, and settled in the Grottoes area. He had served an apprenticeship (4 years) in the sheet metal workers Local 102, in Washington, DC, 1965-1969 and always found employment with each move.
When they moved to Grottoes, they bought 58 acres and built two poultry houses. They grew turkeys for 18 years, then retired and bought a house in Grottoes.
Douglas was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Dolores, who passed away on May 1, 2016.
He is survived by their two sons, Douglas B. Peake, Jr. and wife, Patricia Ann, of Varnville, SC and Michael A. Peake and wife, Betsy of Bridgewater; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
According to his wishes, he was cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held 6 pm, Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grottoes Rescue Squad, 805 Augusta Ave., Grottoes, VA 24441 or Fire Department, 109 3rd St., Grottoes, VA 24441.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
