Ronnie Kelley “Bob” Peters, age 80, a resident of Ponce De Leon, Florida, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, at his home. Funeral services will be held from Bethany Baptist Church on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM with Rev. Donnie Marler officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Bethany Baptist Church on Saturday, September 19th, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM.

At the young age of 13, Bob contracted encephalitis, a life-altering illness that placed him on a challenging path. Though the effects of the illness limited his ability to perform many of the tasks he once knew, Bob never gave up—and God never forgot him. Through years of rehabilitation and vocational training, he learned to cut grass with a push mower and later worked in a janitorial role at Walmart. While his pace may not have matched that of his coworkers, Bob excelled in his own way, becoming a bright spot in their days. His smile was constant, his spirit joyful, and his kindness unforgettable. He rarely forgot a face and formed friendships that lasted throughout his life.

In his later years, Bob found contentment in simple pleasures. He enjoyed watching Roy Rogers daily and listening to the “Possum,” George Jones. And above all, Bob loved hamburgers—mentioning one was enough to make his face light up with excitement. His joy was genuine, his heart pure, and his presence brought warmth to everyone around him. His passing leaves a noticeable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by a special niece, Becky Owens (David) of Ponce De Leon, FL; his sister-in-law, Merle Peters of Ellerslie, GA; his brother-in-law, Emmett Skinner (Carol) of Chancellor, AL; along with fifteen other nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Mr. Peters was preceded in death by his parents, Katie Bell Sara “Louisa” Jane Kelley Peters and J.D. Peters, along with three sisters, Mildred Hoover, Pauline Koger, Joann Skinner, and four brothers; James Peters, Bill Peters, Lonnie Ray Peters, and Jimmy Peters.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dennis "Flop" Owens, Kenny Owens, Van Maddox, Foy Henry Lindsey, Steve Kelley, and Stacey Kelley.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Peters family.