Max Rupert Peterson Jr.

Dr. Peterson was a native of Sampson County and the son of the late Max Rupert and Mary Lillie Peterson. Dr. Peterson was a former Chemistry professor and Research Chemist, as well as a member of Westwood Baptist Church in Cary, NC. He taught Chemistry at Campbell University for 17 years and worked as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina State University. He also worked as a Senior Research Chemist at Research Triangle Institute in Durham, NC, for almost 20 years, specializing in developing measurement methods to analyze indoor and outdoor air pollutants and carcinogens.

He was known for having a loving heart, witty humor, a jovial spirit, ample stories and songs, and a resolute faith. He loved his family, singing, bird watching, star gazing, and crossword/ sudoku puzzles. Having lost his beloved wife to cancer at a young age, he looked for joy even in the hard times. His favorite saying was, “We wring every bit of good we can out of every day; some days we just have to squeeze harder than other days—but with the Lord’s help, we will get through it.”

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Bonnie Farrell Peterson, who died of cancer. He is survived by two daughters, Karen Peterson Sherin and husband, Kenneth Mark Sherin of Asheboro, NC, and Kathryn Hope Mathews and husband, Jason Michael Mathews of Summerfield, NC; his five beloved grandchildren, Matthew Grayson Sherin, Steven Grace Elizabeth Mathews, Isabelle Hope Mathews, Caleb Andrew Sherin, Peter Joseph Mathews.

He is also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nellie Gray “Nell” Barkley and Maxine Peterson. He is survived by his sister, Mary Dieker, of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by many loving friends and family members in both his family and Bonnie’s family. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Comfort Keepers for helping Max live a richer, fuller, happier life when his health declined.

Dr. Peterson was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, relative, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his family.

A funeral service for Max will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh St, Cary, NC 27513. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh St, Cary, NC 27513. Raleigh, NC 27607, or AuthoraCare Hospice Collective 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405, or to the charity of one's choice.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the family.