Dr. Leroy Peterson Jr. was 67, and departed this life on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Family will receive family & close friends on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 2pm until 8pm at 1402 Mays Place Florence, SC.

Dr. Leroy Peterson Jr, affectionately known as “Pete” to friends, “Doc” to colleagues and students, and “LeRoy” to his family, was born on September 2, 1958, in Florence, South Carolina. He peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, who comforted him with songs, stories, and cherished memories.

Dr. Peterson was the son of the late Leroy “Mam-Mi” Briggs and Maria “Riya” Peterson. He shared 44 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Regina Mullins Peterson. Together they built a Christ-centered home, lovingly raising four children and, for a season, helping raise their nephew, Jerry Montgomery. In addition to his father and mother, He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Foster "Fossie" and Mary Daniels Washington, and Elijah Briggs and Lille Mae Peterson; and his baby brother, Jerry Peterson.

Raised in the Mars Bluff community of Florence, South Carolina, Dr. Peterson attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 1977. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army (active duty) as a Chemical Operation Specialist and Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Airborne! All The Way! During his military service, Dr. Peterson earned numerous honors, including his Senior “Jump Wings” Parachutist badge, Expert Rifle Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and recognition as the Honor Graduate of the NCO Leadership School (82nd Airborne) He later continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class.

While serving in the Army Reserves, Dr. Peterson enrolled at Francis Marion University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in Chemistry and Mathematics. A gifted athlete, he competed on the university's Track and Field team and became the 1982 NAIA All-District High Jump Champion.

It was at Francis Marion that he met his future wife, Regina Mullins, who was also his chemistry lab partner. Their shared love of science, learning, and reading grew into a lifelong partnership. They were married on July 23, 1982, and welcomed their first child, Elizabeth, on July 5, 1983, while both were completing their undergraduate studies.

After graduating from Francis Marion University in 1984, Dr. Peterson received a full scholarship to pursue doctoral studies at the University of South Carolina, where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1990. During those years, he and Regina welcomed their second child, Larnelle, in 1985. Dr. Peterson’s research and dissertation focused on inorganic-organic hybrid materials and crystal structure analysis. Dr. Peterson successfully defended his dissertation, “Crystal Structures, Solid-State CD NMR and Shielding Tensor Components of Some Oxo-cadmium Compounds" in 1990 and earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry.

Upon earning his doctorate, Dr. Peterson returned to Francis Marion University, where he faithfully served for 36 years as a professor of chemistry and six years as chair of the Department of Chemistry. Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous university and professional honors (FMU Board of Trustees Research Scholar Award (2011-2012), and the Distinguished Professor Award (2021-2022)), and authored or co-authored more than 40 scholarly publications and presentations. Two of those publications were co-authored with his son, Larnelle Peterson. He also secured nearly one million dollars in research funding and established the Pee Dee Science Enrichment Program for Disadvantaged Middle School Students, opening doors for countless young people to pursue science and higher education. His legacy at Francis Marion University continues through the Dr. Leroy "Pete" Peterson Scholarship, established in 2008 in recognition of his lasting impact.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Peterson was deeply committed to serving both his church and his community. As a trustee at The Assemblies in Florence, he faithfully served in numerous capacities, including establishing a church garden for the youth and volunteering on the church security team. He was also closely associated with Anointed Word Bible Way Church, where he quietly supported the ministry and community outreach efforts in Timmonsville. His love for young people extended beyond the church, leading him to serve for more than two decades on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Pee Dee Region, coach youth basketball, mentor students, and support STEM education throughout the Pee Dee. Dr. Peterson's favorite hobbies included reading comics and gardening.

Although his accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember not only what he achieved but who he was. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a faithful servant of God; a gifted teacher; a respected scientist; a humble mentor; and a trusted friend. He believed that knowledge was a gift to be shared, service was a privilege, and every person deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. His quiet strength, gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 44 years, Regina Peterson; one daughter, Elizabeth Rachel Peterson of Hope Mills, North Carolina; three sons, Larnelle Elijah (Delisa) Peterson of Columbia, South Carolina, Kenyun Willie-Leroy Peterson, and Bryant Peterson, both of Florence, South Carolina; three granddaughters, Je’Nelle A’keylah, Jenette Amaya, and Naomi Morgan; one grandson, Joisah Elijah; step-granddaughter, Ivyonna Craver; and a special daughter-in-love, Jericha Middleton.

He is also survived by five siblings; Rev. Clyde (Annie Lee) Peterson Sr., Dianne Peterson (Sam, Jr.) Anderson, Doris Peterson, Terry (Alice) Peterson, and Francina (Gary) Bryant, all of Florence, South Carolina; three aunts, Evelyn Scott of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Elease Williams and Mrs. Harriett Washington of Florence, South Carolina; three uncles, Foster Washington, Philip (Clara Mae) Washington, and Lee Washington, all of Florence, South Carolina; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, and dear friends.

Dr. Leroy "Pete" Peterson leaves a legacy of faith, scholarship, service, and love that lives on through his family, former students, colleagues, and the countless lives he enriched. Though he has finished his earthly race, the seeds he planted—in classrooms, laboratories, churches, communities, and hearts—will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. His faith in Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of his life and inspired his lifelong commitment to serving God by serving others. Among his greatest joys was leading his family in regular times of devotion, prayer, and the study of God's Word, leaving them a spiritual legacy that will endure for generations.