ANDERSON, SC - The Rev. Robert L. Peyton, 95, died Sunday, September 4, 2011. He and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in retirement in Arcadia, LA for 28 years before moving to Hartwell, GA one month ago. For 68 years, he was a United Methodist pastor who served churches first in Mississippi and Texas, and then in Louisiana since 1953, at Lake Charles, Arcadia, Bastrop, West Monroe, and finally at Ruston as a United Methodist District Superintendent. At each church he served in Louisiana, he initiated successful building expansion programs. He was called upon to preach over 60 revivals during his ministry in Louisiana. During his retirement years, well into his 90's, he continued an active ministry as guest preacher, pastoral visitor, and officiating minister at weddings and funerals. For the past 20 years, he and his dear friend, The Rev. Doug McGuire, shared their joy of life in over 400 performances of song and storytelling, touching the lives of thousands.
Rev. Peyton received a B.S. degree from University of Southern Mississippi in 1941 and a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1943, followed by an M.A. degree and all coursework for the Ph.D. degree in history at University of Texas at Austin from 1949 to 1952.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth, and his son Lee, as well as half-sister Phoebe Peyton Triggs of Jackson, MS; nephew Walter Owen of Wiggins, MS; and niece Sue Metzger of Lubbock, TX. He was preceded in death by his son, Guy Murray.
A Burial and Committal Service will be held at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, Hazlehurst, MS on Wednesday, September 7, at 2:00 pm, with The Rev. Tom Crosby officiating.
A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Arcadia, LA on Thursday, September 8, at 2:00 pm, with The Rev. Bill Moon officiating, assisted by The Revs. Wayne Evans, Jayne Trammell Kelly, and Doug McGuire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Robert L. Peyton Scholarship Fund for United Methodist Seminary Students from the Shreveport District of the United Methodist Church (payable to Shreveport District with notation for Peyton Scholarship, addressed to Shreveport District, P.O. Box 41188, Shreveport, LA 71134.)
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com