Horace J. Peters

OZARK…Mr. Horace J. Peters, a resident of Ozark, died late Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at his home. He was 91.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Harold Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Peters, the son of the late Lewis Peters and Ida Fralish Peters, was a native and lifelong resident of the Marley Mill Community in Dale County. He grew up there, raised his own family there, and spent his entire life rooted in the place he loved most. The people of Marley Mill were not just neighbors to him—they were part of his extended family.

He proudly served his country and community as a member of the Ozark Unit of the Alabama Army National Guard. His time in the Guard shaped him into a man known for his steady nature, quiet strength, and willingness to help others whenever he could.

Mr. Peters was happiest when he was outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, gardening, and farming—anything that let him work with his hands and enjoy the simple beauty of being outside. He had a way of making even the most ordinary day feel peaceful, whether he was tending a garden row, checking on his crops, or sitting by the water with a fishing pole in hand. He enjoyed being with his family most of all, and he treasured every moment of quality time spent with them. Those who loved him will always remember his easy smile, his gentle spirit, and the way he made people feel welcome and cared for.

He was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ozark. His faith was not something he kept to himself—it was something he lived out every day. He believed deeply in sharing God’s love with others, and he did so in his own humble way. Many people will remember him for handing out Bible tracts wherever he went and taking the time to talk with others about salvation. His quiet, unwavering commitment to witnessing was one of the defining parts of his life.

Mr. Peters retired from Dyncorp at Fort Rucker after thirty‑seven years of dedicated service as an aircraft inspector. He took great pride in his work and was known for his reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic. His coworkers respected him not only for his skill, but for the kind of man he was—steady, dependable, and kind.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and a life lived with purpose. Those who knew him will remember his love for the outdoors, his devotion to his family, and the gentle way he shared his faith with everyone he met.

Mr. Peters was preceded in death by his spouses, Carolyn Benefield Peters and Elizabeth Deal Peters; a son, Stanley Peters; his siblings, Bertha Gunter, Myrtle Rugg, Merlene Peters, Earlene Beasley, Floyd Peters, Foy Peters, Wyatt Peters, Toby Peters, Wilford Peters, and Malcolm Peters.

Surviving relatives include his children, Marilyn Ivey (Joe), Enterprise, and Gary Peters, Ozark; daughter-in-law, Carol Peters, Troy; stepson, Larry Deal (Cathy), and their children, Michael and Marissa; grandchildren, Amanda (Chuck), Craig (Sarah), Stan (Andrea), Jennifer (Jose), Ryan, Wesley (Avery), and Stuart (Haleigh); great-grandchildren, David, Brooke, Emma, Ellie, Tripp, Jimbo, Miguel, and Cecilia; sister, Sarah Byrd Cooper, Ozark; sisters-in-law, Gayle Peters, and Charlotte Byrd, both Ozark; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.