Obituary for Rodney A. Peeples
Judge Rodney A. Peeples, 84, entered into eternal rest on October 24, 2024. Shortly after a lung cancer diagnosis, he died peacefully at his home with his family by his side.
Rodney was born in Hampton County, South Carolina on January 8, 1940 to Miles and Ruth (Stanley) Peeples. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School in 1958. He attended University of South Carolina from 1958-1961, where he received a BS in Business Administration in 3 years; and University of South Carolina Law School from 1961-1964 conferred Juris Doctorate Degree in 2½ years.
His greatest accomplishment took place on August 12, 1962, when he married Claudia Waites Peeples.
In 1964, he became associated with the law firm of Blatt and Fales in Barnwell, SC, and became a partner in the firm of Blatt, Fales, and Peeples in 1966. He served as Resident Judge of the South Carolina Second Judicial Circuit from 1974 until his retirement in 2004.
Rodney was active on local, state, and national levels in continuing legal and judicial education. He lectured at the school for new South Carolina Judges, seminars for law clerks and staff attorneys, Clinics Program at the University of South Carolina Law School and South Carolina Bar Continuing Legal Education programs. As the judicial member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association (ABA) from 1988-1991, he participated in the funding and planning of numerous programs at the annual and mid-year meetings of the ABA. He was also a participant and faculty advisor at the National Judicial College of the University of Nevada, Reno.
In addition to his faith, Rodney believed in hard work and effort in all things. He expected the same from others and had consistent requirements for decorum in the courtroom, including neat dress and shined shoes. Rodney was known for helping others and giving generously. He had humble beginnings and was grateful to mentors who took interest in him in his youth and throughout his career. He paid this forward by providing time, support and growth opportunities for others, and especially for local youth of Barnwell, SC. He was a lifelong supporter of University of South Carolina Athletics. He was an avid fan of Gamecock Women’s Basketball, and was especially proud of progress under Dawn Staley’s leadership.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Claudia Waites Peeples, his parents, his sister Betty Ruth Rentz and his brother Robert Miles Peeples. He is survived by his sister Louise Simpson of Anaheim CA; his half brother Richard Chandler, and his daughters Janie Peeples of Davidson, NC, and Katie Peeples Cate of Columbia, SC and her children Newman Perry Cate Jr. of San Francisco, CA and Emily Cate of Travelers Rest, SC.
Visitation will be held on October 29, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Barnwell, SC from 5:00-7:00 PM. Funeral Services will also be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM with graveside services at Barnwell County Memory Gardens.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to each of the medical professionals involved in Rodney's care. Most recently, Dr. Alyssa Degnan and the Empyrean Hospice team provided expert care and compassion that allowed him to pass in dignity and peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to:
The Honorable Rodney A. Peeples Scholarship Endowment Fund (b11380) or
Claudia Waites Peeples Endowed Scholarship Fund (b11839)
Please make checks payable to:
USC Educational Foundation
Revenue and Compliance
1600 Hampton Street, Suite 736
Columbia, SC 29208
For online donations, please visit: donate.sc.edu
To plant a tree in memory of Rodney A. Peeples, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
29
Oct
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Barnwell First Baptist Church
161 Allen St.
Barnwell, SC 29812
Service
Wednesday
30
Oct
2:00 PM
Barnwell First Baptist Church
161 Allen St.
Barnwell, SC 29812
Graveside
Wednesday
30
Oct
3:00 PM
Barnwell County Memory Gardens
2728 Reynolds Rd
Barnwell, SC 29812
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