Retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Terry L Peterson, 71, of Fayetteville, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Huntington's disease on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Autumn Care in Raeford, where he was residing and receiving care.
Terry was born in Iowa on April 16, 1951, and moved to Wisconsin shortly thereafter, where he spent his youth. After enlisting in the Army, he went on to serve 21 years and retired in 1991 in Fort Meade, MD. Terry’s military career took him many places in the world, including Colorado, North Carolina, Maryland, and Germany. Some of his favorite memories were being in the 82nd Airborne Division, living in Germany, touring Europe, and helping Army families while in Maryland. While in Germany, he discovered his love of antiques and started spending time collecting European treasures, especially clocks. When he moved back to Maryland, he spent his weekends “junking” around at flea markets, finding and fixing up furniture, and collecting clocks. His passion for antiques blossomed into some very successful shops both in Maryland and when he moved back to Fayetteville.
When Terry wasn’t “junking,” you could find him fishing, drinking beer, listening to music and hanging out with his family and driving his dogs, especially his English bulldogs, around in his truck. He was a gregarious person and always had a smile on his face. There wasn’t a person he couldn’t have a conversation with or talk to about antiques, beer and fishing. He loved spending time at the beach with his kids, friends, family and his wife. Terry was kind, loving, and always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Terry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy; niece, Kristen Sandomeno (Peter); great-nephew, Grady Jenkins; great-niece, Madison Sandomeno; daughter-in-law, Abby Peterson (David); grandchildren, Alivia Peterson, Max and Quinn Beares; sister, Betty; and brother, Paul.
He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Ryan, and daughter, Molly Meghan, who also died from Huntington’s disease; his parents, Clarence and Laura Peterson; and sister, Barbara.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Terry’s family would like to thank the Autumn Care staff for the wonderful care he received during his time there.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.
