Robert “Bob” S. Peters, age 82, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021. He supported, inspired, engaged, and enlivened the Franklin County community with his prowess in the law, his skills of poetry-reading, and enthusiasm for the Democratic party. On March 24, 1939, he was born to Mynne Bosi Peters and Aubrey Peters in Chicago, Illinois. His father Aubrey moved the family to Winchester in 1953. Bob then enrolled at his beloved Franklin County High School and graduated in 1957. He received a full scholarship to Vanderbilt University. His college career highlights included serving as the President of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, being a member of the “Rezoob” brothers, spending quality time at Scorchies, and graduating in 1961 with a degree in History. Bob had a generous appetite for knowledge and books, and this desire led him to sample educational opportunities at the University of Washington, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Salzburg in Austria. During his journeys across the country, he met and married Scotty Stratte in Portola Valley, California, in 1964. He finally returned to Tennessee and enrolled at the University of Tennessee Law School. He distinguished himself by receiving the Green Award for being first in his class each year and as the Editor of the Law Review before graduating in 1969. He came under the tutelage of his friend and mentor Clinton Swafford and practiced law with him and his other partners at Swafford, Peters, Priest, and Hall until the time of his death. His law practice centered around the people of Franklin County, and he helped countless individuals when they had times of trouble or despair. In addition to practicing law, he enjoyed telling jokes, being the center of attention, and having a commanding presence in any venue, whether it was in the courtroom, grocery store, local dive bar, or just anywhere. He loved his Chicago White Sox, caramel apples, and reading anything. He had numerous collections of books, magazines, and finished crossword puzzles. It was easy to find Bob because he was larger than life in various cars, on the radio, and even on a local access TV show. Moreover, he stood out as a lifelong Yellow Dog Democrat and supported the local Democratic Party in Franklin County. He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and listeners.
He is survived by his wife Scotty Peters, his daughters, Leslie and Katy, his brother Bill Peters, his sister Joanne Davis, and his pup Abby. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Animal Harbor of Franklin County (https://www.animalharbor.org/) and March of Dimes (https://www.marchofdimes.org/).
A Funeral March and Celebration of Life is planned for Wednesday, October 6, 2021. The New Orleans Style Funeral March will begin at the Law Office of Swafford, Peters, Priest, and Hall at 4:00pm and will end at the lawn of Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, where the Celebration of Life will commence. Attendees are encouraged to park at the funeral home and make their way to the law office around 3:30pm. Those who are unable to participate in the march are welcome to gather under the tent at the funeral home.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222
