John Talmer "Tal" Peacock

John Talmer “Tal” Peacock, beloved husband,  father, grandfather, and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully at his home in Kingsville, Texas, on November 10, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born on August 5, 1931, in Madison, Georgia, Tal was the son of John Talmer Peacock and Lucile Finney Peacock. He pursued his passion for education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Maryville College in Tennessee and a master's degree in Biology from the University of Alabama. In 1955, he began his dedicated career at Texas A&I University, where he taught biology and obtained his PhD in botany from the University of Texas at Austin.

Throughout his esteemed tenure, Tal served as chairman of biology and dean of arts and sciences at Texas A&I until his retirement in 1993. His commitment to academic excellence was recognized when he was honored as Professor Emeritus and University Foundation Board Trustee Emeritus. In 2008, the university celebrated his contributions by renaming the biology and earth sciences auditorium the J. Talmer Peacock auditorium, a fitting tribute to his impactful legacy. Tal’s dedication to the university also led to the establishment of three scholarships, an endowment, and a support fund that will continue to benefit future generations.

A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, Tal served on the board of deacons and later took on the role of elder. In his retirement, he volunteered at the Amistad thrift shop in Kingsville and enjoyed traveling, cherishing moments spent with friends and family. His spirit and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucile Peacock; first wife, Darline Sue Peacock; son, John Talmer Peacock, Jr.; second wife, Doris Louise Peacock; sisters, Luella (Harold) Dosser and Betty (John) Robb; stepdaughter, Amy Lawrence; and stepsons, Michael Lawrence and Jeffery Lawrence.

Tal is survived by his daughter, Sonja (John) Perez; daughter-in-law, Donna McDougald Peacock; granddaughter, Elizabeth Darlene Peacock (Erik Moses), Sarah Grace Peacock; stepson-in-law, Michael Morgan; and six step-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Texas A&M University- Kingsville biology department at (http://www.javelinagiving.org/peacock).

John Talmer “Tal” Peacock will always be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, his compassionate spirit, and his love for family. He leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family will receive condolences on Monday, November 24, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary with a memorial service at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Chamberlain Cemetery.