Dr. Jack Peters

Dr. Jack Peters of Greer, South Carolina, died Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the age of 89.

Born to Dr. Charles Manly and Mrs. Martha Friele Peters on December 14, 1926 in Jersey City, New Jersey, he lived a life of service to his community, students, and parishioners around the world. He attended Jersey City Prep School, Dwight Academy, and Whittier College. Dr. Peters earned a Bachelors degree from Biola Bible College, a Master’s degree from Columbia Bible College, and a Ph.D. from Bob Jones University. His scholarly interests included many diverse courses in the fields of radio, French (while in Paris), culture, and clinical psychology. He was ordained into the Gospel Ministry on April 9, 1957, in Waverly, Iowa.

Prior to his ordination, Dr. Peters served in the United States Army in World War II, earning the U.S Army Victory Medal, and the U.S. Army of Occupation Japan medal. He continued his service through the Korean Conflict and proudly served the State Guard of South Carolina as a Chaplain.

Jack married Jean Morse in Waverly, Iowa on August 13, 1951. After completing his study of the French language, he and his family moved to the Central African Republic (CAR) where he and his wife served as missionaries, establishing youth programs, educational programs with the ministry and working with communities. After more than a decade of dedicated service, illness caused him to be unable to continue his service in Africa and he returned to the US. Returning to teach at Bob Jones University, and continuing with his pastoral work, he was invited to start a bible study in a black community in the early 1970’s. This group evolved into Maranatha Baptist Church, a multiracial church that thrives today. As part of his work with the Maranatha Baptist Church, he returned to Africa, teaching in an educational program for pastors in the Republic of South Africa.

After having previously lived in the Greenville, South Carolina area, Dr. Peters returned to South Carolina where he and his wife settled into the Greer community, establishing a youth ministry. They have remained here, where the legacy of his service to the greater community also remains, and extends from ministry, recreation boards, to urban leagues throughout the Greenville-Greer area.

Dr. Peters served as a pastor, missionary, teacher, mentor and friend to all people. He was known for his godliness, warmth, kindness, humility and sense of humor.

His beloved wife of over 65 years, Jean Morse Peters; daughter Dr. Ardith Peters and her husband, Dr. Rodney Presley; Mike and Angela McCarter, and a multitude of former students, parishioners and friends, survive him.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Harmony Fellowship Church, 468 South Suber Road, Greer SC 29651, Pastor Dan L. Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The Acts 2 Collective ( www.acts2collective.org ) for Central African Republican children or Heifer International ( www.heifer.org ).

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,
that we should be called children of God!” I John 3:1