Wilson Joseph Peck

Wilson Joseph Peck, III, "Bill", passed away peacefully at home in Baltimore, MD, Sunday, February 25, 2018, after a brief illness, his wife Mary lovingly at his side. He faced death in the same manner he embraced life - with humor, thoughtfulness, dignity, and concern for his family above all else. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel. Reverend Chris Young of South Bossier Baptist Church will officiate. The family will receive friends Friday, March 9, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Born March 29, 1944, in Orlando, FL, Bill was raised in Lafayette, LA, surrounded by a large extended family who instilled in him early a deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was active in his church in Lafayette and attended school there. He officially met his sweetheart, Evelyn Kay McMahon, in church, but he enjoyed telling the story of first falling for her in the hallways of Lafayette High after he "glimpsed her fantastic legs." Their love story endured for 49 years. Bill, an accomplished upright bass player, majored in music at USL, where he starred in numerous musical theater productions. He carried his love of music throughout his life and passed it on to his children. Bill and Kay married in 1965. While living in Dallas, TX, Bill served four years in the US National Guard. After starting a family, they returned to South Louisiana, where Bill began his career in Advertising with Sears Department Stores. An exceptionally gifted creative and copy writer, Bill excelled in the advertising industry, becoming the Advertising Manager for the Bealls department stores. That position brought the family to Shreveport. He later became a partner at Drescher Peck Advertising, followed by his own agency, Drescher Peck Galloway and Hudson. Bill moved on to great success at JB Cable Ads and Pabst Creative Communications, where he ran the victorious election campaign for Shreveport City Marshal Jimmy Dove. Marshal Dove offered Bill a position with the Marshal's office, where he proudly served the city and citizens of Shreveport under Dove and Marshal Charlie Caldwell for 18 years until his retirement. Bill was so well-respected that Tuesday, December 1, 2015 was declared "Wilson Joseph Peck Day" in the City of Shreveport during a retirement ceremony and proclamation from the Office of the Mayor Ollie S. Tyler. To know Bill was to love him. He was an affectionate, loving father and friend. He exuded cool, charm, and warmth, and his wit and wisdom will be irreplaceable in the lives of his family. He was an avid collector through the years, becoming an expert in such varied fields as antique cars, vintage furniture and glassware, Volkswagens, and wrist watches. The friends he made in those groups, as well as in his career, remained some of his most cherished relationships. Bill's favorite role, however, was family man. Utterly devoted to his three children, he was a constant source of laughter, integrity, and strength for them and his grandchildren, who adored their "Grandaddy." He spoke often of being blessed with two great loves in his life; Kay, who passed in 2014, and Mary, his wife of 2 years. Bill and Mary referred to their life together as "an adventure", and Mary lovingly cared for him during his time in hospice until his death. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Joseph and Evelyn Peck, as well as his beloved wife, Kay. Left to cherish the precious memories of their lives with Bill are his wife, Mary; daughter Melissa Figgins; son Christopher Peck and his wife, Shannon; and daughter Leslie Peck and fiancé Stephen Failey. He is also survived by grandchildren Leslie Parnell and her husband, Aaron; Seth Figgins; Julia Figgins; Camilla Peck; Ella and Zoe Moss; Sophia Grimm; Sierra and Sabrina Esparza; and great-grandson Luke Parnell. Survivors also include step-children Theresa Crunk and husband, Dan; Daniel Holbrook; Michael Holbrook and wife, Michan; and six grandchildren. Bill also adored and was loved by his brother and sister-in-law, Kelley and Charlotte Peck, sister Virginia Peck, and his many nieces and nephews. The entire family wishes to extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated and compassionate staffs of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Neuro-ICU and Gilchrest Hospice, both in Baltimore, MD. To friends, family, and coworkers, your love, support, and prayers during this difficult time have been invaluable. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations be made to the church or charity of your choice. See you on the other side, Daddy.