Michael Ray Peters

Michael Ray Peters
Born on July 26, 1950, in Kingsland, AR, he passed away at his home on December 25, 2023, after being “healed perfect” from ALS. Vicki Peters, the love of his life of 54 years, survives him. Together they had five children. Shannon Peters and his wife Sarah of Ada, OK; Kyle Peters and his wife Rachel of Hot Springs, AR; Derek Peters and his wife Melissa of Godley, TX; Juran Peters and his wife Randi of Alma, AR; and Mikka Butler and her husband Chris of Kingsland, AR. He is also survived by siblings John Peters and his wife Betty of Muldrow, OK; Donnie Peters of Kingsland, AR; Jane Graves and her husband Hal of Fordyce, AR; and Jean Morgan, wife of the late Dennis Morgan of Fordyce, AR; Rusty Peters of Fordyce, AR; and brother-in-law Don Cox and his wife Martha of Kingsland, AR. While most people knew him as Mike, 17 special grandchildren, and many others knew him simply as Pop Pop. Rebekah and Annabelle Peters, Drake, Tyler, Siera, Wyatt, Liam, Esther Peters, and Gracie McKim (Trey), Grace, Jaden, and Jagger Peters, Ethan Peters, and Kade, Kyra, Kalyn, and Kenisyn Butler. His parents, Lester “Bill” and Helen Peters, brothers Jerry and Jimmy Peters, and sister Shirley Crane preceded him in death.

Mike's career as a woodsman with International Paper Company spanned his entire working career. During his time with the company, he gained a wealth of experience in the industry and was highly regarded for his skills and hard work. After retiring from International Paper Company, Mike continued working in the same field. With the help of a long-time friend, he established a private company offering similar services to those he had provided throughout his career.

After serving for 27 years, he retired from the Army National Guard as an E6 Staff Sergeant. During his time in the military, he developed a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and perseverance. After retiring from the service, he looked back fondly on the memories made with the men he served alongside.

Mike's most noted accomplishment was that he patterned his life to honor Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He was a faithful member of Beech Grove Baptist Church. In 1975, Kingsland Missionary Baptist Church ordained Mike as a deacon. A member of the Peters Family of singers, he enjoyed sharing his bass voice with any who would listen, often at the Peters Homeplace Homecomings or his church. He passed his passion for music and singing to his children and grandchildren.

Mike was a handyman, building his own home. Most evenings, he could be found eating popcorn and homemade ice cream. He had a lot of hobbies over the years that he enjoyed, such as gardening, square dancing, and hunting deer and turkey. However, his favorite moments were always spent with his large family. He was known for being a very involved father and Pop Pop. He had a great sense of humor and genuinely cared for those around him, which made him shine brightly.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 27th, from 6:00-8:00 pm, and funeral services will be Thursday, December 28th, at 2:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Kingsland Cemetery. To sign the online register, visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .