Eric Charles Peterson

Eric Peterson, 58, of Mebane, NC, passed away on December 13, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1967 in California to Joyce and Charles Peterson. Eric was the strongest person many were fortunate enough to know. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, and a man whose kindness, integrity, and courage touched every life he encountered. Together with his wife, Autumn, Eric worked tirelessly to raise their two wonderful children, Finn and McKenna. He approached fatherhood with patience, advocacy, and unwavering love. Since his stage IV cancer diagnosis in 2021, he stood up to his cancer fearlessly, rarely complained, or let others see him down despite the pain it caused him. He spent his final years dedicating as much time as he could to his wife and children.

Eric’s life was defined by service to others. At just 15 years old, he founded a Neighborhood Crime Watch program, earning his Eagle Scout Award and receiving a Letter of Appreciation from the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. This early act of leadership was the beginning of a lifetime devoted to helping  and protecting others.

Eric went to Alaska in 1993 to pursue his love of the outdoors. There, he spent three years working as a counselor for troubled youth at Alaska Children’s Services. He later directed a college outreach program for underprivileged youth at the University of Alaska–Anchorage and went on to direct several programs, including Upward Bound. His dedication to civic responsibility continued through his service as a Commissioner on the Budget Advisory Commission for the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska.

In 2000, Eric entered law enforcement, beginning a 22-year career as a decorated local law enforcement officer, where he faithfully protected and served his community. In addition, he dedicated 21 years as a soldier in the United States Army Reserves and Alaska National Guard, serving with honor and distinction, attaining the rank of Major. He deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004 with the 422 nd Civil Affairs Battalion, exemplifying courage, sacrifice, and devotion to country.

After returning to North Carolina, Eric became involved in his community. He served as a scout leader, mentor, and volunteer, accruing thousands of service hours and continuing to give selflessly of his time and energy.

For more than three decades, Eric showed up consistently and wholeheartedly—for his family, friendships, community, and country. His legacy is one of service, love, and steadfast integrity.