January 6, 1948 - January 6, 2024
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Thaddeus Andrew Peake, III, (Drew) of Marietta, Georgia. Drew passed away on his 76th birthday, surrounded by his loved ones, following a weeks-long battle with a debilitating spinal cord injury.
Born in Louisville, KY on January 6, 1948, Drew was a man of ambition who was passionate about learning, contributing, and helping others. At the time of his injury, at 75 years old, he was on campus working on getting his PhD. Thus, adding to his list of academic accomplishments of three master's degrees.
"Captain Daddy" as his kids called him, retired from the US Navy after an illustrious 41 years of combined active and reserve service. His dedication to service was discernible, as he commanded five units and subsequently served on the staff of the Naval Sea Systems Command Inspector General for five years. Drew commenced his naval career as a seaman recruit in 1967 and eventually retired as a Naval Captain, Engineering Duty Officer in 2008 – a designation known as a Navy Mustang for those familiar with the term. He loved recounting tales of his overseas experiences, viewing the world through the eyes of a sailor, describing life aboard the ship, and recounting the intricacies of loading up the big guns.
In his professional life Drew was a boon to public health, workers’ rights, and environmental protection. In his personal life, he was on call around the clock, earning a reputation as a consistently helpful individual adept at resolving a variety of issues – a skill he often demonstrated with the ever-present Swiss Army knife in his possession.
He held numerous distinguished titles, including Professional Engineer, Board Certified Forensic Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Safety Engineer. He worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the 1980s, a time when environmental consciousness wasn't yet a popular trend. He served as a member of numerous organizations including National Academy of Forensic Engineers, American Academy of Environmental Engineers, and American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Drew helped pass a Georgia law so that anyone doing certain types of environmental health work, often in homes, must actually be a certified engineer. His expertise in his fields and contributions to the world are enduring and left an unfading mark on those he helped.
In addition to his many achievements, it’s also notable that Drew Peake celebrated an incredible 48 years of sobriety. Throughout every year of this journey, he remained dedicated to weekly attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. He sponsored countless people in those decades to help with their recovery. A real Swiss Army knife of a guy, he was a man of many tools and reliable for the issues of one person, or statewide.
Drew is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lorrie Fowler Peake and four devoted children: Thaddeus Andrew Peake IV (Tina), Mary Elizabeth Schuman (Corey), Sarah Lorraine Peake (Andrew), William Fowler Peake, and his doggie Blue. Additionally, he leaves behind five adoring grandchildren who held a special place in his heart: Thaddeus Andrew Peake V, Hannah Elizabeth Peake, Jack Andrew Schuman, Natalie Lorraine Schuman, and Wesley William Schuman. Drew also has a large, loving extended family in Louisville, KY including his sisters Mary Allen Peake, Martha Jane Smith, Hannah O’Bryant (Mark), and Sarah Jane Peake (Tim).
Drew Peake's life was a testament to his passion for problem-solving, commitment to service, and loving care for his family. His beaming, infectious smile, unquestionable in its warmth, left a lasting mark on the lives of those he knew. His legacy endures through his environmental endeavors, the recognition he earned, and the multitude of lives he uplifted and propelled forward.
A memorial service to honor Drew's life will be held on February 24, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Georgia Funeral Care (4671 S. Main St. Acworth, GA 30101). There will be a visitation beforehand from 1:00-3:00 pm.
