Richard Gene Peacock

Gene was born in Roper, NC in Washington County to Richard Carroll Peacock (b. 1888) and Jessie Chesson Peacock (b. 1894) upon a family farm. He grew up in the manner of Eastern NC farm life, knowing the struggles and rewards of working the soil. After graduating Roper High School in 1951, he joined the United States Air Force and served actively from 1951-1955 and as a reservist from 1955-1959. Gene spent most of his military service time in Germany during the time of the post WWII German Occupied Zones.

Upon returning home to NC, he graduated from N C State College in 1959 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He met and married Grace Winchester Peacock in 1960 and they remained married until her untimely death in 1994 at the age of 57. They had four children together who mourn the loss of their father: Jessie H. Peacock of Raleigh, NC; Brantly W. Peacock of Charleston, SC; Maurice C. Peacock of Indian Beach, NC; and Thomas A. Peacock of Raleigh, NC. Gene also had 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Gene spent most of his career as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wilson Finley Company of Raleigh where he worked from 1969-2012. He greatly appreciated the value of work and did not retire until he was 79.

Gene was patient and kind. His generosity knew no bounds and he held the responsibility of taking care of his family above all else. A quiet man of intellect, his love of literature shaped who he was and how he viewed the world.

Due to Covid restrictions and complications, there are no current plans for a public funeral or memorial.

Please feel free to post a tribute to his life and memory here online.