Obituary of Richard A Peters

Richard Alden Peters was born to Burton and Harriet Peters in Nashua NH, the youngest of two brothers. He came to faith at a young age under the ministry of Harold and Jane Burchett. He attended Gordon College where he met his bride, Jocelyn, and the two of them set out on a lifetime adventure of serving God together.

Richard’s genuine faith journey was a constant testimony to the grace and goodness of God. With all of his energy, Richard lived a life of devotion to God with an unshakeable desire to see others find true life and deep joy in following Jesus. He gave his time to love and serve others, impacting countless lives. His mind was anchored in God’s Word, and he spent many hours sharing those truths he had taken into his own soul.

Everyone who knew Richard, could easily see how much he cherished and loved his wife, Jo. He honored her, and surely realized every day what a treasure she was to him. He built a home of stability and faith on the true principles of God’s Word, and set His children on the same course. He gave to his children and to many others a beautiful first glimpse of the eternal love of God the Father.

Life was an open adventure to Richard. He was willing to try almost anything, successfully or otherwise, from raising rabbits to exploring Afghanistan. He loved to garden, tinker, organize, and ‘run errands.’ There was an innate vulnerability that made him approachable and willing to let God’s strength be magnified in his weaknesses.

Richard served for 25 years in pastoral work, for 16 years in retail management, and another 6 years in foreign mission work, always laboring diligently and endeavoring to be light and salt in every context. He taught us how to work hard, to be faithful, and to finish the job. He ran with endurance the race marked out for him, and is now joyfully reunited with his beloved bride and His Loving Savior.

Richard is survived by his sons, Dave Peters (Brenda) of Columbia; Eric Peters (Ellen) of Columbia; his daughters, Lori Valvano (John) of Columbia; and Lisa Goralnik of Columbia; eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Jocelyn, a son, Chuck Peters (Amy), and by a grandson, Brad Peters (Joyce).

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Sunday, December 18th at 3.30 PM at

Woodland Hills Community Church

2626 Ashland Rd

Columbia, SC 29210

For those who can attend in person, there will be a time of fellowship with the family at the church following the service. For those who might not be able to attend, please feel free to join us via the below Zoom link.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89084314224?pwd=YkJWbit2aG9kdDdwRmFsemszODZOQT09

Meeting ID: 890 8431 4224
Passcode: 524609

Donations in memory of Richard Peters can be made to the Woodland Hills Community Church mission fund.

Please feel free to leave a comment or upload a favorite photo of Richard on the website,

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89084314224?pwd=YkJWbit2aG9kdDdwRmFsemszODZOQT09