David Andrew Peterson

David Andrew Peterson, age 58, passed away on November 7, 2025. Born overseas but raised in Jackson, Tennessee, David spent his childhood in the country with his mother, Elizabeth Henderson Peterson, and younger sister, Sarah Jean Peterson. He also lived in Lansing and Grand Haven, Michigan, with his father, Thomas Arthur Peterson, and other family members, including his younger brother, Nathan Gardner Peterson, and stepparents, Karin Neils and Jean Kennedy.

David was known for his warmth and ability to make friends wherever he went, including close friendships with Victor Avila and family in Morganton, North Carolina, and many others in Jackson, Tennessee. He cherished time spent with Rex and Debbie Smith and Lanie and daughter Haley Dixon, Margaret Stegall and son Lloyd, and Machelle Coleman and son Forrest.

An avid outdoorsman, David enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and riding bikes and ATVs. He was a devoted Tennessee Vols fan and loved animals, especially his first dog, Cocoa, and his cat, Mama Kitty. David spent many summers camping on the beaches of Lake Michigan with his father and enjoyed canoe trips in Tennessee with his mother and stepfather, Ronnie Collins. He was active in 4-H and MYF at Brown’s United Methodist Church, played little league baseball, and loved go-carts, dirt bikes, cards, and Monopoly.

David worked for many years on the Mississippi River as a tugboat crew member and cook and also worked in construction. In recent years, he helped with hurricane recovery efforts in western North Carolina, assisting friends, Victor, Wayne, and Daniel with storm-damaged homes.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer and Barbara Peterson, and Dewitt and Ruby Henderson; his stepfather, Ronnie Collins; his Uncle Bill Henderson; his Uncle Kurt Peterson; and his younger brother, Nathan Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee, at 111 Upper Browns Church Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

David will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, kindness, and the many friendships he nurtured throughout his life.