Robertsdale High School mourns longtime teacher

William Peck directs students prior to Robertsdale High School’s graduation last June.
William Peck directs students prior to Robertsdale High School’s graduation last June.
ONLOOKER FILE PHOTO
Posted

ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Officials with Baldwin County Public Schools and Robertsdale High School have confirmed the death of longtime RHS faculty member and recent Teacher of the Year recipient William Peck.

Peck, a native of Sicily Island, Louisiana, longtime resident of Elberta and graduate of the University of South Alabama, spent his entire career as a social studies teacher at RHS, teaching government and economics.

On Dec. 18, the last day of school for the Fall semester, Peck was named “Teacher of the Year at Robertsdale High School.

According to a written statement released Monday, Feb. 15 by RHS Principal Joe Sharp, that would be his last day at the school.

Peck called in sick during the return from Christmas break and on Jan. 10 was admitted to the hospital in Pensacola. Peck died Sunday, Feb. 14, from complications of COVID pneumonia.

He was a graduate of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Alabama. He was a member and active alumni of SAE fraternity.

“You might have seen Mr. Peck at his duty station every afternoon helping direct traffic,” Sharp said. “He never failed to perform his duty and he never complained.  Mr. Peck was a positive presence at Robertsdale High School.”

According to Sharp, Peck served on the Graduation Task Force committee, the Guiding Coalition and the National Honor Society Faculty Council.

“He could be found on the grill every spring grilling burgers for the seniors for their annual picnic and he played a huge part in planning the RHS Graduation each year,” Sharp said. “Mr. Peck gave of himself and his time willingly and freely. He redesigned the teacher's lounge on his own by painting and adding a coffee station.

“Mr. Peck was an outstanding teacher admired by his colleagues and respected by his students. Please keep his family and our RHS family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Peck was a parishioner at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Foley.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Smith Peck IV and stepfather, William Riley Bean.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Linda Brandenburg "Susie" Peck, daughter, Demmie Annis Peck, mother, Sterling Files Bean, sister, Johannah Peck (Greg) Siragusa, and many more loving relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church with visitation starting at 9 a.m. at the Parish Center, located directly behind the church.

The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church's Building Fund, 601 W. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 36535 or call 251-943-4009.

Arrangements are by Mack Funeral Home, Robertsdale.