SGM (Ret) Sam Byron Peeler, Jr.

On April 19, 1939, Sam Byron Peeler, Jr. was born in Gainesville, Georgia. He was the son of the late Sam Byron Peeler, Sr. and Lula Belle (Smallwood) Peeler. In 1955, Sam and his family moved to Orlando, Florida. He was 16 years of age when they moved and a year later, Sam entered the United States Army. He served his country faithfully from July 17, 1956 – July 31, 1985. He had attained the rank of Sergeant Major and earned several awards and commendations for his faithful service. Those awards included the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, Driver Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Achievement Medal-1, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal-1, Overseas Service Ribbon-3, Army Commendation Medal-2, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Meritorious Service Medal-2, Army Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), and Army Commendation Medal-4. One of Sam’s assigned duty stations in the military was in Germany. During his time there, he met a young lady by the name of Rosa Hoffmann. They dated for a time and were united in marriage on May 19, 1959, in Schwetzingen, Germany. Sam and Rosa were blessed with six children: Patricia, Juanita, Elizabeth, Carmen, Sam, and Michael. Rosa preceded Sam in death on September 8, 2016, after 57 years of marriage. In 1968, Sam was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and after his retirement in 1985, the family decided to remain in the area. He continued serving his country as an employee with E.D.P. Enterprises on Fort Leonard Wood as a cook for 8 years. In his spare time, Sam enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and fast cars. He was also a ham radio and C.B. operator and his handle name was “Uncle Sam 181”. Over the years, Sam also was a collector of die cast models. Sam was a member of the Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM and in fact was a 32-degree Mason. He was also a member of the Abou ben Adhem Shrine Club in Springfield, Missouri and the Scottish Rite in Joplin, Missouri. He believed strongly in the military and was a member of the AUSA (Association of the U.S. Army). Sam passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, in the Harry S. Truman Hospital of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 85 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his six children: Patricia Hardyman (Chuck) of Summerfield, FL, Juanita Connors (John T.) of Dixon, MO, Elizabeth Adkins of Waynesville, MO, Carmen Cowles (Bryon) of Goshen, IN, Sam Peeler III (Jennifer) of Goshen, IN, and Michael Peeler of Ocala FL; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister: Janice Calloway (Tom) of Orlando, FL; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Sam was preceded in death by three sisters: Joyce Peeler, Juanita Keseler, and Geneva Joliet; one brother: William A. Peeler; and two grandchildren: John Wesley Connors and Sharon Kay Connors. Even though he is gone from our sight, Sam’s commitment to his country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Services with military honors were held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with United States Army chaplain officiating. The songs "I'll Leave This World Loving You" by Ricky VanShelton, and "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" by Elvis Presley were played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of SGM (Ret) Sam Peeler and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SGM (Ret) Sam Byron Peeler, Jr.

April 19, 1939 - September 30, 2024