Garland Pegram

Early Wednesday morning, March 27, 2013, God summoned one of his angels home, our beloved, Garland "Christmas" Pegram, 78, of 1222 Paul Street, Petersburg. He was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1934, to the late Deacon Peter Wise Pegram and the late Julia Pegram. He received his primary education in the Dinwiddie County Public System, and was a graduate of the Dinwiddie Training School Class of 1954.

He was gainfully employed with the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company for 25 years, and never missed a day from work other than his vacation time. He was also a retiree of Honeywell after 10 years of service. After retirement, he pursued a career of raising cows, which developed into his own entrepreneurship, the "Pegram's Progress," at the Pegram's home place in Carson.

At an early age, he confessed Christ as his personal Savior and became a member of the St. John Baptist Church, Stony Creek. He possessed a true love for the Lord and his church family.

He was a former member of the SJBC Usher Ministry, and was an active member of the Big Brothers Ministry, where he was one of the founding members. He was faithful to the service of chairman of the Trustee Ministry for 12 years, even to his demise. He was a true pillar of the church and was greatly

admired for his character, demeanor and spirit. Not only did he share his time, and talent within his home church, but he also was a loyal founding member of the Monsieur Social Club until its closure, a member of Happy Hour Senior Citizens Group, and Senior Citizens Organizations. He also faithfully attended water aerobics classes at the Petersburg YMCA, and enjoyed outings with his 1954 class of Dinwiddie Training School.

We remember our father, grandfather, brother and friend as an avid Redskins fan, a radical Baltimore Orioles fan, and one whom loved playing Bid Wiz, and was known of the king of that game! Although our hearts are heavy and will miss our loved one, we thank God that he is now at rest with the love of his life for 54 years, the late Shirley A.T.G. Pegram. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Chevolia Pegram Briggs; and a sister, Agnes Pegram Freeman.

Left to celebrate his legacy are his children: Ursula La. Pegram of Chester, Sandra P. Givings (Hayward) of Petersburg, Angelia P. Booker (Stewart) of Hopewell, Marvin D. Goode Sr. of Prince George, Clinton O. Parham (Sandra) of Stony Creek, Charles W. Harper (Ann) of Petersburg, and Gail E. Washington of Petersburg; a daughter-in-law, Linda B. Goode of Petersburg; a sister, Gladys P. Boothe of Baltimore, Md., and a brother, Glover Pegram of Stony Creek; sisters-in-law, Addie Foster, Queen Ruffin, Mary Ann Goode, Mary Goode, all of Petersburg and Audrey Whitehead of North Carolina; an adoptive daughter, Veronica Davis of Chester; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; seven nieces and seven nephews; a host of cousins, wonderful neighbors, and caring friends, to include, Robert "Bob" Griffin, Alvin Flowers, Peter Bland, Horace Ellis, William Mason, Spencer Dickens, Michael Bowles, Johnnie Cake, and so many more, too numerous to name.

The family would like to acknowledgement Michael Bowles, for his dedication and love for our father for many years, aiding him as his "right hand man".

A celebration of the life of Garland C. Pegram will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the St. John Baptist Church, Stony Creek, with the pastor, the Rev. Herbert R. Holly II, officiating.

Burial will commence at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The family will assemble at the residence at 10 a.m. on the morning of the service. Mr. Pegram may be viewed today at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 South Sycamore St., Petersburg, 804-863-4411.