Mr. Robert Elton Peterson Jr. (Rob), age 60, passed away at his Carrollton home on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, following a prolonged illness.
Rob was born on September 6, 1951, in Columbus, Ga., to the late Robert Elton Peterson Sr. and the late Iris (Webb) Peterson. He grew up in Thomasville, Ga. After high school in Ft. Myers, Fla., he served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany from 1971 to 1974. Rob completed his military service in California in 1975, then moved to Boulder, Co., where he worked as a surgical scrub tech and later as a post anesthesia nurse. In 1991, he attended the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, where he received his Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesiology. In 1995, Rob continued his anesthesia career in Newnan. He was working independently when he became ill last September.
Rob embraced life with open arms and lived each moment to its fullest. In high school he won second place in Florida State High Diving and during his lifetime he never missed the chance to dive into swimming holes wherever he found one. He was a master of music in many ways. He played guitar, banjo, violin, dulcimer, Native American flute, and just about any instrument put into his hands. One of his greatest joys was to share his love of music with everyone. He also enjoyed adventures in traveling and, in recent years, riding his motorcycles. Rob was well known for his ability to make others smile. He radiated with love and positivity. He leaves a legacy of love and music for all who were honored to know him.
Robert is survived by his wife, Sharon Peterson of Carrollton; two sons, Cory Peterson of Charleston, S.C.; and Charles Peterson of Macon; one daughter, Taylor Hudnall of Carrollton; one granddaughter, Ila Claire High of Charleston, S.C.; one sister, Diane Ryan of Montauk, NY; two brothers, Rick Peterson of Davey, FL; and Steven Peterson of Ft. Collins, CO; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
There will be a Life Celebration honoring Rob at Dunaway Gardens on Sunday, Aug. 26, at 2 p.m., for family and friends to gather.
