Thomas D. Peeples

Tom Peeples was a builder……..of homes, and communities, and relationships, and he never forgot or deviated from the core values he learned in Ridgeland, South Carolina, where he was born on February 11, 1953.  His father and mother, Tommie and Sadie, taught him well, and his father introduced him to Hilton Head Island very early in his life.  It was an introduction which would impact him and the Island for over 60 years. 

Tom married his true love, devoted life partner and staunchest supporter, Mary Ann, almost 52 years ago.  They moved to Hilton Head Island in 1972.  For 43 years he owned Tom Peeples Builder where he built many of the finest homes in our area.  As his business matured, Tom became well known for his remodeling expertise.  In business, as in life, he armed himself with integrity, sincerity and a commitment to excellence, and he was respected and appreciated by those who worked with him over so many years. 

Tom believed that we should leave the world better than we found it, and it was this belief that led him to public service, first as a member of Town Council and then as Mayor of Hilton Head Island for 15 years.  He was always humble, honest and courageous, and many of the things he accomplished while in office have created the firm foundation on which the Island continues to build.  No one served longer, or with more distinction than did he, but for Tom Peeples it was never about him.  It was about collaboration, consensus building, friendships and vision.  He never wanted credit or the limelight.  Indeed, he preferred standing in the crowd, but even in the crowd he always stood out.  He was a leader, a servant leader, and he always led by example.  Few have had a greater impact on our present, or our future, than did he.  His legacy will always be that he did what was right and fair, not what was popular.

Tom never bragged, except when he was talking about Mary Ann and their son, Josh, of whom he was extraordinarily proud.  Tom would tell you that he could accomplish nothing without their love and support.

 In addition to Mary Ann and Josh, Tom is survived by his brother Paul (Debbie), his brother Bobby (Gwen), his sister, Melanie Tindal, four nephews, Tommie Peeples, Bryan Peeples, Ricky Peeples and Jeremy Tindal, two nieces, Andrea Peeples Allen, Lauren Tindal Young, seven great nephews, four great nieces,  his lifelong friend, Roy Prescott, and the thousands of grateful friends and acquaintances made over his too short time with us on earth. 

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bennie.

Tom Peeples, the builder of all things good and strong, is now building in Heaven.

A “very casual” (Tom’s wishes) Celebration of Life will be held at Honey Horn on Tuesday, April 30th from 4pm until 7pm.  Memorials may be made to the Hilton Head Land Acquisition Program or a charity of choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas D. Peeples, please visit our floral store.