James "Leon" Peebles

James “Leon” Peebles

Centerville, GA  –       James “Leon” Peebles, 75, loving husband of 45 years to Marsha Anne Gay Peebles,  entered into his eternal rest Wednesday night, November 13, 2019, at Peach Regional Medical Center in Byron. Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2019, with Pastor Don Feezor officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Wrens Memorial Gardens cemetery.

The only child of the late Reba Davis Peebles and the late Jeptha Leon Peebles, Leon was born in Sylvania but grew up in Stapleton, was a 1962 graduate of Wrens High School, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Auburn University. After college, he began working for Dupont at the Savannah River Plant, but after two years into his career, he proudly served our country by enlisting in the Air Force. Once his four-year tour ended, he returned to his job at Savannah River Plant, retiring as a Quality Control Manager after 34 years of service.  He and the love of his life joined in matrimony in February of 1975, living in Augusta until 1985 when they moved to their newly built home in Wrens. After his retirement, they lived at Clarks Hill, then moved to Lake Oconee, and finally to Centerville.  Leon loved to fish and enjoyed his time living at the lake where he could relax and fish to his heart’s content. He also loved his dogs and having them with him all the time. Leon was a “handyman” and could do anything.  He always had some woodworking project going on.  The family enjoyed their time together traveling and camping “in style” in their motor home. As a young boy, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, faithfully serving Him at Stapleton Methodist Church; then as a member of Wrens Baptist Church where he served as Deacon; and lastly as a member of First Baptist of Centerville. A devoted family man, he gave his love unconditionally—he especially adored his grandkids who stole his heart completely.  Leon had a laid-back attitude and was a calm presence in the midst of life’s storms. He enjoyed life’s blessings and faced the valleys with faith and trust in God. Leon will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Other survivors include his sons, Marc Peebles (Holly) and Lee Peebles (Marissa); four grandchildren, Paetyn Peebles, Marlee Grace Peebles, Mitch Black and Lorie Black; in-laws, Martha and Oliver Gay; extended family, church family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will Mitch Black, Alan Broome, Steve Durham, Randy Gay Jr., Buford Manning and Charles Milburn.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 –  2:00 P.M. at James Funeral Home prior to the services Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Wrens Memorial Gardens, P.O. Box 588, Wrens, GA 30833.