George Ralph Peterson, 75, died Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Ogeechee Area Hospice after an extended illness. He was born in Upshur County, W.Va., and raised in Portsmouth, Va. He moved to Statesboro in 1970. George worked for Sears and Roebuck until his retirement. Following his retirement, he was employed with Bulloch County Health Department and Pineland Mental Health. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Statesboro and served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, member of various committees, choir member and led the ministry to the deaf through sign language during services. He was a veteran of the United States Army, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10825, past president of the Bulloch County Wildlife Club and member of the Kiwanis Club. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Alexander and Mary Elizabeth Peterson of Portsmouth, Va.; brother, Walter Peterson of Toledo, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Carol Peterson of Statesboro; two daughters and a son-in-law, Virginia Everett of Brooklet and Denise and Manuel King of Jesup; a son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Theresa Peterson of Fayetteville, N.C.; a brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Berla Peterson of Portsmouth, Va.; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Peterson will be held Sunday, June 22, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Statesboro with Dr. John Waters officiating. Mr. Peterson will lie in state an hour prior to the service. Internment will follow in Bulloch Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jerry Peterson, Jeff Peavy, Don Whaley, Doug Fowler, Dr. William Nessmith and Oscar Hendrix. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.