Maurice Lambert Peele

Maurice Lambert Peele, Jr., of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, at the age of 77.

Born April 3, 1948, to the late Maurice Lambert Peele, Sr., and Dorothy Gertrude Peele (McPherson), Maurice grew up in the close-knit community of South Norfolk, Virginia. He took piano lessons as a child, which began a lifelong love of music.

After graduating from Oscar Smith High School in 1967, he joined the United States Air Force. His service took him to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and Vandenberg Air Base in California.

Upon completing his enlistment, Maurice attended Elon University, graduating with a B.S. in Music Education in 1974. He added an M.A. in Education Administration from East Carolina University in 1980. Although he loved his alma maters, neither could compare to his passion for Duke sports.

He spent 29 years of his life as a teacher in Cumberland County Schools. Mr. Peele directed countless school musicals and holiday programs, treating each with the seriousness of Broadway. His shows were a highlight of the school calendar. In addition to his work in the classroom, he taught private piano lessons for more than a hundred students throughout his career.

Soon after arriving in Fayetteville for his first teaching position, he met his lifelong collaborator in these productions: a firecracker 6th grade teacher at Howard Elementary. They wed in 1979. Together, they created a loving home in Hope Mills, welcoming two boys born in 1981 and 1985, respectively. Maurice worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

That work included over 50 years of music ministry as an organist and choir director at Oak Grove, Johnson, Gardners, Culbreth, and Camp Ground United Methodist Churches. Playing the organ was Maurice’s favorite activity, and he would spend hours practicing in the evenings and weekends.

Maurice leaves to cherish his memory his son Jonathan Maurice Peele of Spring Lake, North Carolina; son Christopher Shaw Peele and his partner Marie Elizabeth Logue of New Hill, North Carolina; his sister Nina Ann Peele of Starkville, Mississippi; and many dear extended family members and friends. His wife, Janice Elaine Peele (Dallas), and his parents preceded him in death.

On Sunday from 2:00-5:00 PM, his children will receive family and friends at his home. All those who loved him are invited to celebrate his life on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Camp Ground United Methodist Church, 4625 Campground Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28314. Visitation will take place at 11:30 AM, followed by a service at 12:30 PM. Afterwards, his church family invites attendees to remain for a luncheon and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, his family encourages memorial gifts to Camp Ground United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolence may be made at www.jerniganwarren,com

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