Sheriff Van Peavy

Sheriff Van Peavy, age 78, of 481 Fullington Avenue, Pinehurst, died Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Northside Hospital in Macon, Georgia. Born in Pinehurst, he was the son of the late Lucius Van "Rip" Peavy and Myrtle Rowe Peavy. He graduated from Pinehurst High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a member of Pinehurst United Methodist Church and served as Mayor of Pinehurst 1976 - 1980. Following his military service, he returned to Pinehurst and began farming his family farm. During this time, his love for law enforcement led him to assist local and state agencies in tracking criminals, lost children and the elderly. In 1984, upon the retirement of Sheriff Barney Thomas, Van Peavy campaigned for Sheriff. He was elected to the office and began his first term in January, 1985 and served the residents of Dooly County and the State of Georgia faithfully for the next 30 years. Sheriff Peavy was a member of the Georgia Sheriff's Association, the National Sheriff's Association, the National Rifle Association and the Police Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund of Georgia. He was a Sheriff's K9 Corp. from 1970 to 1984 and in 1982, he was named an "Honorary State Trooper" by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. IN 1988, he received the USMS Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Justice and the Distinguished Humanitarian Award form the GSA 1991-1992. He received Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Training 1993-1994. Sheriff Peavy was recognized for "Unselfish and Outstading Service to the GSA Youth Homes, Inc. by the Sheriff's Boys Ranch 1985-2014 and recognition for continuing support to the USMS in 1993. He was also recognized by the DEA for outstanding leadership and contributions to drug law enforcement. Survivors include: Wife: Gwendolyn McGinty Peavy Daughters: Melanie Peavy Davis (Marty) Marsha Peavy Son: Steven Craig Peavy, Sr. (Marian) Grandchildren: Marshall Lee Davis (Elizabeth) Kimberly Shae Davis Steven Craig Peavy, Jr. Sydney Leigh Peavy He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jennifer Erin Davis and looked forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild, John Marshall Davis in March, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, January 8 in the Fullington Academy Gymnasium in Pinehurst with interment in Pinehurst City Cemetery. The Sheriff will lie in state in the Fullington Academy Gymnasium beginning at 11 AM until the funeral hour. The family may be contacted at 481 Fullington Avenue, Pinehurst, Georgia 31070. Memorial gifts may be made to Georgia Sheriff's Boys Ranch, 5671 Highway 122, Hahira, Georgia 31632, American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 or American Diabetes Association, 1707 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22311. Sheriff Peavy's compassion for all mankind was a reflection of his faith and love of God. His mottos were, "They will either vote me out or tote me out and "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.