Aaron J. Peyton Jr.

Aaron James Peyton Jr., affectionately known as "Paddy" throughout Maryland, age 83, of Vineland, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026. He was born on December 17, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to the late Aaron James Peyton Sr. and Rosie Mae Waters Peyton. Aaron lived a full and meaningful life rooted in faith, service, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. A true humanitarian, giving to others was not something he did-it was simply who he was.

Aaron accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully walked in his calling throughout his life. In 1987, he joined Union Baptist Temple under the leadership of Pastor Albert Morgan, where he served diligently as a deacon. He was actively involved in the men's choir, Sunday school, and prison ministry, and he carried a deep passion for witnessing and studying God's Word. Known affectionately as the "Bible Guster," Aaron's love for Scripture was evident to all who knew him.

Aaron attended the Somerset County School System in Crisfield, Maryland, where he developed a lifelong love for sports, especially basketball. His knowledge of the game was so respected that local coaches often sought his guidance, and he proudly assisted in helping lead the Crisfield Crabbers to a championship. A devoted sports fan, Aaron cherished football Sundays and any opportunity to analyze a game-often loudly-sharing his belief that a different strategy should have been used. He also loved morning texts, phone calls, coffee and donuts, watching CNN and Fox News, fellowship, family, food, and spirited conversation.

In 1974, Aaron relocated to Millville, New Jersey, where he built a dedicated 31-year career as a New Jersey Transit bus driver. He was widely known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and pride in providing for his family. Aaron met Peggy Margaret Jones in 1958, and they were married on September 29, 1961, in Crisfield, Maryland. Together they shared 44 loving years of marriage until Peggy's passing in 2005. Aaron honored her memory deeply and remained devoted to their bond. He was especially cherished by his great-grandchildren for his humor, storytelling, and quick wit. With his sharp memory and wise counsel, Aaron was often the person others turned to for advice, encouragement, and help, and he found true joy in serving others.

Aaron touched everyone he met with his infectious charisma, warm humor, and passion for sharing the Gospel through personal testimony. He brought light and encouragement wherever he went and leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, kindness, faith, and wisdom. He treasured his special bond with his Aunt Milkey Waters and cousin Agnes, especially their Labor Day gatherings filled with crabs and his aunt's cooking-meals he proudly claimed rivaled even his wife's. Aaron often shared that Auntie made him feel deeply loved and respected, and their bond was truly unbreakable.

Aaron leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Sarah "Cookie" Wilkerson of Bridgeton, New Jersey; his sons, Kevin "Bubby" Peyton of Millville, New Jersey, Rodney "Hook" Ward (Bertha) of Princess Anne, Maryland, and Lamont Latif Peyton of Bronx, NY; his beloved grandchildren Tamara, Tiffany, Oley, Chris, Janae, Rodney, Ambrose, Erica, Karman, and Mark; two sisters, Charmaine and Tamika; along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and longtime friends.

Aaron was preceded in death by his father, Aaron James Peyton Sr.; his mother, Rosie Mae Waters Peyton; his beloved wife, Peggy Margaret Peyton; and his sons, Aaron "Mike" James Peyton III and Curtis "Curt" Whittington.

Although Aaron will be missed dearly, the love, counsel, faith, and dedication he gave so freely to family, friends, and community will be honored and remembered forever.