Joseph “Joe” Arnold Peterson, age 69, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2016.

A native of Halifax County, Joe was preceded in death by his father, Maryland “Buddy” Peterson. Joe was retired from Dominion Power after 47 years as the reservoir supervisor.

Joe was past President of the Roanoke Rapids Lions Club, and was past Governor of the NC Lions Club. He was a Jaycee; he loved cooking and was a four time state champion of the NC Whole Hog Cook-off. He was involved in many local organizations and fundraisers to help others in his community. Joe was a lover of the land and water, he dearly loved fishing the Roanoke River and hunting in Halifax County.

Joe is survived by his wife, Joan Cooke Peterson; their daughter, Beth P. White and Chris Fitts of Darlington; and their son, Jody Peterson and his wife, Melissa, of Roanoke Rapids; three grandsons, William Jacob White, Joseph Zachery White and Jaxson Aaron Peterson; his mother, Annie Wagner, of Rocky Mount; his sister, Barbara Jean Silver, of Roanoke Rapids; two brothers, Robert Peterson of Roanoke Rapids, and Jerry Peterson of Littleton; brother and sister-in-law, Rodger and Toshi Cooke, of Scottsdale, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Sue Owens officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids, where the family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Roanoke Rapids, P.O. Box 1023, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.