Charles Thomas Peden

Charles Thomas “Tom” Peden

Charles Thomas “Tom” Peden, age 83, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Tom was born on May 11, 1943, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was raised in Nashville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn V. Smith Peden and Charles Walker Peden, and by his beloved great-grandson, Aleister Brown.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Beverly Hill Peden, the love of his life and faithful partner in all of life’s adventures. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen Wolf (Larry); grandchildren Kevin Brown and Danielle Brown; and his son, Mark Peden (Lori); grandchildren Taylor Peden, Karrah Peden Trammell (Will), and MaryGrace Peden.

He is also survived by his siblings, Sue Peden Durham (Eddy), John Mark Peden (Janice), and Max Peden (Michelle), along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Tom graduated from Central High School in Nashville and later earned a liberal arts degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. A gifted artist from an early age, he had a particular passion for watercolor painting. His artwork filled the family home and remains a beautiful testament to his creativity and talent.

Following college, Tom pursued a career in aviation and public service as an air traffic controller. He faithfully served 24 years at Jackson Municipal Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, and continued working for an additional eight years at Hawkins Field following his retirement. Throughout his career, he was respected for his professionalism, dedication, and steady demeanor.

Tom was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. A true bibliophile, he delighted in nonfiction works, particularly biographies, history, and geography. He possessed a curious mind and a deep appreciation for knowledge, always eager to learn something new and share it with others.

Among his many passions was riding motorcycles. He loved taking motorcycle trips with family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Whether he was riding the open road, tinkering in his garage, building model airplanes and boats, or tackling a home improvement project, Tom found joy in working with his hands and creating something meaningful.

More than any hobby or accomplishment, Tom’s greatest passion was serving the Lord. He faithfully served his church family in countless ways. At St. Peter's by the Lake, he dedicated more than 20 years as a lay reader and leader of Cursillo groups. He was often found caring for the church grounds through landscaping and maintenance, quietly serving wherever there was a need. In recent years, he was an active and devoted member of Move Church in Pearl, Mississippi.

Tom’s greatest treasure was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. He was known for his gentle spirit, generous heart, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His love, encouragement, and example will continue to guide and inspire those who were blessed to know him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shower Power, a Jackson, Mississippi nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring dignity and providing essential hygiene services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in marginal shelter situations.

Though he will be deeply missed, Tom leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, creativity, and devotion to family. His memory will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23