Hartford Peeples

Bro. Hartford W. Peeples, 81, of Yulee, passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025.

He was born October 29, 1943, in Yulee, FL, and was a life-long resident of the area.

Brother Harford pastored area churches for over 60 years; most recently, Calvary Baptist Church in St. Marys, GA and Community Baptist Church in Yulee, Fl.  He was a master barber in Fernandina Beach for over 30 years and drove a school bus for the Nassau County School District for over 30 years. He also loved performing as Bumbo the Christian clown with his son, Poohbo the clown.

He was predeceased by his mother, Nina Mae Holmes; a sister, Juanita Wilson; and his beloved dog, Louis.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Pam Peeples; a son, Christopher Peeples; brothers, Lemuel Peeples (Loretta), Dan Peeples (Dee), David Peeples (Brenda), Robert Peeples (Elisa), John Dexter Freeman (Lorrie) and Peter Dorn Freeman (Penny); a sister, Nevadia Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews; and his two dogs, Moose and Lily.

His first love was always the church.  He loved preaching, singing and studying God’s Word.  He also enjoyed word search puzzle books, sitting on the front porch swing and sipping sweet tea and enjoyed eating fried potato sandwiches.  Brother Hartford had a great sense of humor and loved teasing his friends.  He also served as a missionary in several Central American locations.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, in the chapel of Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Tippins officiating.  Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.  There will be a visitation Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.