Peter Vaughn Vanstory

Peter Vaughn Vanstory, age 89, passed away Monday October 24, 2022, at Abbotswood Senior Living Center. A lifelong resident, he was born in Greensboro to Cornelius “Neil” M. Vanstory Jr. and Margaret V. Vanstory on May 12, 1933.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Harriet Funk Vanstory. He is survived by his children, Peter V. Vanstory, Jr., Leigh V. Poe (Tom), Pennington Vanstory (Kelly), granddaughter Caroline M. Poe, and step grandchildren Stuart Poe (Kerri) and Courtney DeTemple (Chris) and their families. He is also survived by his brother C. M. Vanstory, III (Nancy) along with many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Vanstory graduated from Choate School, Wallingford, CT (Choate Rosemary Hall), then attended UNC Chapel Hill before serving in the USMC active duty for 2 years and reserves for 6. In 1956 he entered the insurance business in Chapel Hill with Provident Life. Then in 1961 returned to Greensboro to join the Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company, (now Lincoln Financial Group). After a successful career in insurance sales, he retired and then worked for Carolina Bank (now First Bank) for 10 years where he was Vice President of New Business Sales.

In addition to his professional life, service to others was an important part of Peter’s life as demonstrated by his membership and leadership positions in many of the community’s civic and nonprofit organizations. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro where his great-great-grandfather was Pastor for 38 years. Peter served as a member of The Board of Deacons, The Board of Elders, Church Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, member and President of The Young Men’s Bible Class and various other committees. It was through the church that he helped to organize and serve as the first President of the Greensboro Prison Ministry, which helped to support Christian outreach programs for Guilford County’s prison population.

Peter was very proud of his volunteer position in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a committee sanctioned by the Department of Defense to support Military personnel who are preparing to deploy overseas or who return to civilian life after their deployment. One of the most important of his roles in ESGR was negotiating with civilian employers on behalf of those returning from military service whose job might have been affected by their time serving. He enjoyed the many friends he made through this organization, especially the military personnel, many of whom he was in touch with during their deployment in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a proponent for his hometown, he was fascinated by the changes and growth he saw during his lifetime. He was a firm believer in community service and took great interest in those less fortunate and was always an advocate for the underdog. Peter never met a stranger, an attribute that served him well in his personal, professional, and civic life.

There will be a private family burial service Friday October 28, 2022. A celebration a of life service will be held at 11am at First Presbyterian Church Greensboro (live stream available at fpcgreensboro.org), visitation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prison Ministries c/o First Presbyterian Church, 617 N Elm St., Greensboro, NC, 27401, or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Vanstory family.