Harry Ray "Alan" Peyton

Harry (Alan) Ray Peyton, 66, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on February 8, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him deeply. Born on May 6, 1958, in Roanoke, Virginia, Alan lived a life filled with passion, adventure, and an unwavering love for his family, animals, and the thrill of speed. Alan was saved on September 22, 2019 and was baptized on June 6, 2021.
Alan was many things to many people. A gifted mechanic and an accomplished driver, he could make just about anything with wheels go faster. He spent countless days at racetracks and flea markets, raising his daughters in the exhilarating world of engines and bargains. Whether it was go-karts or rollercoasters, Alan passed on his love of speed and excitement to his girls, Crystal and Emmy, who cherish those memories to this day.
Animals had a special place in Alan's heart. He rescued more than he could probably handle, once arriving home with nine dogs and a tarantula named Killer-gifts and gestures that perfectly captured his big-hearted and often humorous nature. His home was never quiet, always shared with a furry friend or five. His love of creatures, especially his "soul dog" Peekaboo, was unmatched.
A lifelong thrifter and hustler at heart, Alan had a unique eye for finding value in the overlooked. Known as The Bike Man at Happy's Flea Market, he could transform a discarded bicycle into something that looked brand new. With his wife Edie and daughter Crystal often by his side, he turned his knack for spotting treasures into a small business and a legacy. He could walk into a shop with five dollars and leave with a diamond in the rough-or the perfect gift for someone he loved.
Alan's work history was as vibrant and varied as his life. He started by working alongside his father, Billy, in places like Pizza Hut, Lendy's, Bill's Auto Mart, and Auto Town. Later, he found a passion for painting cars at Maaco before joining Yokohama Tire in 1986, where he worked as a tire builder until an injury led to his retirement in 1999. It was then he fully embraced his entrepreneurial spirit at the flea market.
Never one to judge a book by its cover, Alan welcomed everyone with open arms-sometimes to a fault. But he built a chosen family out of friends and acquaintances, and many called him brother, uncle, and friend, even if no blood tied them. His daughter Crystal continues that tradition with her own children today.
In his later years, Alan made strides to find peace and healing. He joined Living Well Church, where he found faith, friendship, and renewal. One of his proudest moments was being baptized by his friend and pastor, Steve.
Those who knew Alan will remember: -His helping hands, always working on something or lending aid. -His eyes, a warm hazel with a mischievous sparkle that gave away every prank and secret grin. -His charisma-an energy that made him hard to resist and harder to stay mad at. -His enduring love for animals, and the companionship of 4 to 6 little dogs at all times. -His imperfections, yes, but also his efforts to be better, and the unwavering love he gave, even when he didn't always know how to show it. -Alan never left a conversation with his family without saying "I love you," and he meant it every time. Though life was not always easy, and his path was sometimes rocky, he was deeply loved and never alone in his fight.
He is preceded in death by his father Billy Ray Peyton, stepfather Dennis Lee Garten, brothers-in-law Michael Jenks and Stuart Walker, mother-in-law Jacqueline Walker, father-in-law Douglas Walker, and many beloved animals, including Horsey Blue, Ernie, Angel, Sweetpea, and Peekaboo. His mother, Anna Sue Allen Garten, joined him shortly after his passing.
He is survived by his wife, Edie Peyton; daughters Crystal Dawn McBroom (Daniel) and Emily Paige Austin (Ryan); grandchildren Walker Hughes McBroom and Rowan Elizabeth McBroom; brother, David (Delia) Garten; sisters Karen Peyton Jenks and Kelli Peyton; his best friend Sue Hayes; and his loyal dogs Gracie, Scooter, and Ginger.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Radar Funeral Home, Daleville, VA. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, July 21, at 11:00 a.m., also at Radar Funeral Home.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to First Recovery, 2328 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA, United States, Virginia.
Special thanks to the compassionate staff at Lewis Gale Hospital-Sparky, Lauren, Tristan, Morgan-and to Drs. Winkle, Ahmed, and Asim. Your care and dedication gave us more time and hope than we could have asked for.
Alan will be remembered for his big heart, his wild spirit, and the many lives he touched just by being himself. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed dearly.