Staley Lee McPeak

Staley Lee McPeak, 70, of Chattanooga, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at his residence. He was known for his love of singing, gardening, fishing, and woodworking. Mr. McPeak was a graduate of Hiawassee College, Tennessee Wesleyan College, and received a Master's degree from The University of Chattanooga. He was retired from the Hamilton County Department of Education following a career of teaching at both Lookout Valley Middle School and Ooltewah Middle School and an administrator in the Central Office. He also taught at UTC. He spent 45 years with the Hamilton County Rescue Squad, worked 11 years at the Chattanooga Nature Center and served as its director, and was proud of his involvement with the restoration of the Wurlitzer organ at the Tivoli Theatre. His church family at St. Elmo United Methodist Church was of utmost importance to him. He was an integral part of the choir and served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Gladys McPeak; and sister, Gail Manuel. He is survived by wife, Phyllis; son, Bob (Anna) McPeak; stepchildren, Todd Moreland, Keith Moreland, Sherri Kent, and Lisa Tallent; grandchildren, Jacob and Emily McPeak; stepgrandchildren, Ryan, Alexandra, and Jack Moreland, Madison and Mason Kent, and Gaines, Sydnee, and Delaney Tallent; his first wife, Patricia McPeak; sisters, Joyce Grubb of Wytheville, Va., Ruth and Billy Sizemore of Woodlawn, Va., Wanda and David Little of Knoxville, Tenn., Peggy Augustine of Nashville, Tenn.; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the St. Elmo United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Dowell and the Rev. Bruce Spangler officiating. Visit www.heritagefh.com to view the Memorial Tribute and share condolences. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the general fund at St. Elmo UMC, 4626 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37409. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chatttanooga. Courtesy announcement by Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, Va.