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We lost Hoss on Christmas day. His funeral was January 3. Over his struggle with cancer I spent some time with him, and witnessed him facing his death with grace and courage. I was also able to relive a lot of great memories that we had together. We roomed together at Chapel Hill, and shared each others familys over many years. So to honor his memory I want to use the website to tell you somethings about Hoss you may not have known.
He originally wanted to be a doctor, and he would have been a good one. His patience and compassion would have blended well with his intellect in this profession. Unfortunately a lab class in organic chemistry moved him in another direction. He majored in English instead and later helped me with a resume that gave me the job of my life.
When he finished at Chapel Hill the draft was facing us all. He said he wasn't worried as he would wait until they were drafting generals. He couldn't wait, so he joined the Air Force and became a pilot served in Viet Nam and finished as a Major.
Hoss had great charactor traits. He never worried. He said early in Chapel Hill that he was going to hire me to worry for him when he made his first fortune. He was generous and shared everything he had. He would loan me his clothes when I had to look nice, and he was always a nice dresser. His wit was always with comparisons of which he had many.If something was dumb. It was "dumb as a hundred head of sheep" It was never just if, it was "If a hoppy toad had a glass ass, he wouldn't get but one jump". If it was hot, it was "hot as a june bride in a feather bed." There was always a witty comparison.
He was always there if I needed help. When my second son was born, June went into labor at 7:00 AM on March 2 1980. I looked out the window and there was a foot of snow that fell over night. I was scared to death that I couldn't get to the hospital and called Hoss to come help me get there and if not to deliver this baby, which I knew he could do. Luckily for all 3 of us he got us to the hospital safely and on time.
He had one trait that I have only really noticed in him. I never and I mean never saw him get mad at anybody but himself. I wish I could say the same.
Part of his legacy is his daughter Gina and her Husband Tom Lawrence and there 2 Children, Sydney and Wright. They are a wonderful family and live in Charlotte.
I will miss Hoss like no other.
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Gene A. Ratchford
Bill Peters was quite a guy. I did not know Bill that well, but after attending his service, the loss of not knowing him better is truly mine. So many friends, so many memories...I only wish I could be that lucky when my time comes. He was truly loved and will be missed, but his memory will live on with his "shag" friends, and with his "normal" friends too. May you rest in peace ...our classmate forever.
Gene Ratchford
Buddy Cooper Ashe (Buddy C. Ashe)
He really was the "the hoss man", if you don't beleive it ask any of us who knew him.
Charles Craig Penley, Jr. (Charles Craig Penley, Jr. )
Kay, I was sad to learn of Bill's passing. I remember the good times we had and the laughs we shared a long time ago. Bill had many friends and was a friend to all. May the God of us all grant you His grace and peace in this difficult time.
Charles Penley
Ina Jane Grant (Ina Jane Grant Yarbro)
Thank you, Bill for all your kind words - they were beautiful, just as Bill Peters was a beautiful person. I actually got to know Bill better in the past 15 years than when we were in school and then became good friends with both Kay & Bill. I wish you could have spoken at the funeral, but I know he understood what a great friend you were......
Mary Susan Caldwell (Wilkie)
Thank you ever so much for posting the picture of Bill and information about the service. My thoughts and prayers are with the family for comfort and peace through the Grace of our Lord and Savior.