Earl Peck

Earl was born to Jesse Lee Peck and Jewell L. Peck (Casey). He grew up in Bakersfield, California, where he met his wife of 29 years, Jamie Pearson Smith, who he would regularly say was the best thing to ever happen to him. Together they raised their four children across California, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina before finally returning to Texas to make their home in Austin.

Earl loved his family deeply and built a life centered around hard work, family, and hospitality. A land developer by trade, he took pride in his work. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and can-do attitude that they carry with them in their chosen fields.

In his happiest and healthiest times, Earl had a gift for hosting and hospitality; he delighted in welcoming people into his home, often with a pot of his famous chili verde on the stove. A trait that lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He loved outdoor sports—from fishing at the coast, to hunting elk in the mountains— with family and friends.

To his grandchildren, he was larger than life — equal parts entertainer and partner in mischief. No meal out was complete without antics, often involving unsuspecting wait staff, who generally walked away smiling (and with a generous tip).

Earl was predeceased by his wife, Jamie Pearson Peck (Smith), of 29 years. He was also predeceased by his parents and two siblings, Kathy Peck and Rex Peck. He is survived by his four children, Samuel Peck and wife Jennifer Peck of Austin, Texas; Kevin Peck and his wife Leslie Peck of Austin, Texas; Molly Mills (Peck) and her husband Ivan Mills of Austin, Texas; and Sally Lopez (Peck) and her husband Justin Lopez of Austin, Texas; and by his siblings Peggy Peck Wilson (Jim Wilson) and Jesse L. Peck Jr.

He was so proud of his 12 grandchildren: Ellie A. Peck, Samantha E. Peck, Jack W. Peck, Halle E. Peck, Annabel L. Lopez, Ivey G. Peck, Max H. Peck, Lucy P. Lopez, Heidi J. Lopez, A. Abraham Lopez, Owen G. Mills, and Jamie J. Mills.

Earl’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the stories he told on repeat, and the laughter he inspired both knowingly and unknowingly.

The family would like to thank Jolie Sanchez, patient advocate of Compassionate Healthcare Advocacy of Texas, for the amazing care that she showed our dad as well as Hospice Austin and all of the various staff that served him.

Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Earl's late wife, Jamie Pearson Peck, to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or online at MDAnderson.org/Gifts