Virgil Clyde Peters

He was loved and cherished by everyone he came in contact with.

Papaw Pete was a self-proclaimed storyteller and began sharing his life-story a few years back, which inspired him to write a book, World War II and Beyond. In his book, Papaw Pete shared stories of what it was like being the youngest of 8 kids on the family farm in Alley Valley, Virginia; volunteering to serve his country in WWII at 17-years-old; and meeting his wife, Louise, while cruisin’ on Broad St. in downtown Kingsport in the 1940s. 

Virgil and Louise spent 70-years married before she passed in 2017. 

Papaw Pete would want everyone to know that he was a Seaman First Class on the USS Climax AM-161, where he had the honor of witnessing the flag rise twice on Iwo Jima from his spot on the ship. 

After being discharged from the Navy, Papaw Pete went to find a job. During the physical examination, the doctors found issues with his lungs that they diagnosed as tuberculosis. He then spent two years in the hospital recovering, where he kept two pet turtles for company. After he was released from the hospital, he attended Office Machine school and began work for the Typewriter and Equipment Company, where he eventually worked his way up to owner. He would want to brag about meeting Vanna White on one of his business trips and stealing a hug.

He would also want everyone to know that he was a beloved father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather to a multitude of family. 

Papaw Pete enjoyed bowling, swimming and diving, golfing, woodworking (where he made special keepsakes for his family, always adding a small plaque that would say “from the storyteller”), working with horses, and spending time with family. In recent years, he enjoyed giving talks, sharing his life story, and selling his book out of his truck everywhere he went. Everyone knew when Papaw would be speaking somewhere because he’d wear his purple shirt and WWII Navy Veteran hat. Papaw loved to be “honored” and always tried to include Michael, his special needs great-grandson, in his appearances. He treasured his honor flight trips to Washington, DC, with other veterans whom he offered to help out with, as he was quite spry for a 90-something-year-old. 

Papaw Pete came to know the Lord as his Savior at 90-years-old and was baptized by his pastor at Homeland Baptist Church, who often bragged that Papaw was the oldest person he’d ever baptized.

To care for his health, Papaw became an active member of the Kingsport YCMA, where he enjoyed exercise and conversation, and may have sold a few books there as well.

Papaw Pete had a farm for many years where he raised show horses and won many esteemed awards. He loved to share his farm with his family by allowing his great-grandson’s class of special-needs children to visit and interact with his horses. We want to send love to his last horse, Choco, who recently went to new owners, as he must also feel the weight of this loss. 

The family would like to send their gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the VA in Johnson City, TN, as well as Pete Foster and Moe Baines.  The special care and attention the hospital and these friends have provided Papaw over the last few years has meant so much to the family. 

His goal in recent years was to reach his 100th birthday, which he would have celebrated on April 19th of this year. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Hattie Peters; sister, Velma Forbes; brothers, Roy, Malcolm, Herman, Rayford, Harold, and Granville Peters; wife of 70 years, Ollie “Louise” Peters; and grandson, John (“Johnny”) David Morton Jr.  

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Jones; granddaughter, Joy Douglas; and great-grandchildren, Michael Peters, Justin Douglas and wife Julie. 

A visitation will be held on February 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will follow on the same day starting at 7:00 pm. A graveside committal service is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm.