James David Peterson

ABBEVILLE...James David Peterson, a resident of Abbeville, Alabama, died Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025, at Henry County Health and Rehab Facility. He was 83. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Ricky Sowell officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside services. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the FBC Rebuild Fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 606, Abbeville, Alabama 36310 or the FBC Rebuild Fund at any HNB First Bank location. Mr. Peterson was a lifelong resident of Henry County and was a 1960 graduate of Headland High School. He served his country in the Army National Guard in the Headland Unit which was activated during the Berlin Crisis. He was an active and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Abbeville where he served as a Deacon. Mr. Peterson received an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Troy State University. Mr. Peterson retired from Alabama Power Company after 47 years of service. Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Judson Baptist Association Love in Action Food Bank, Henry County Health and Rehab, Abbeville Kiwanis Club, Abbeville Chamber of Commerce, Covenant Hospice, Wiregrass Area Food Bank, and American Legion Post 119. He was predeceased by John William Peterson and America Elmore Peterson, his mother, Nora Lee Peterson, a special aunt, Thollie DeShazo, his wife of 42 years, Barbara Forehand Peterson, his two brothers, Johnny Mac Watson and Charles Sawyer. He is survived by his son, Derek Peterson (Jan), Abbeville; two grandchildren, Will Peterson (Olivia) and Claire Russell (J.T.); great grandchildren, Mary Margarette Peterson and Anna Caroline Russell; sisters, Charlene Goolsby (Eugene), Enterprise; and Thollie Clayton (Tommy), Dothan; a brother Mike Sawyer (Becky), Denver, CO; several nieces and nephews.