In loving memory of

William Edward Peay
October 6, 1951 - September 25, 2019

Mr. William Edward Peay, 67, was born October 6, 1951, in Winston-Salem, NC. He was raised by his adoptive parents, William Lester Peay and Sadie Dorsett Peay. He transitioned from this life peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2019. William graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1970. His educational journey continued and he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University in 1974, and later a Master of Science Degree from A T State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Appalachian State University. He was employed by Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System for 30 years. William worked as a principal for twenty-two of those years; those schools included Parkland High School, Philo Middle School, Mineral Springs Middle School as well as the Optional Education Program. He retired in 2005. He was a member of the Social Promoters Club and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. William was actively involved in humanitarian events in the Winston-Salem community. He was an avid music lover and professional drummer, having performed with the Versatiles and later the Ebony Music Company. William was a football coach of the 1977 championship team at WSSU. He dearly loved WSSU football and was inducted into the C. E. Big House Gaines Hall of Fame in 2013. William also loved fishing and the Cherry Grove Pier at North Myrtle Beach was his favorite place to fish. He was such a loving and devoted husband and father who enjoyed traveling with his boys and watching their basketball games. His love for his family and extended family can be measured only by how well he cared about them and for them. He had a strong belief in God; so strong that he overcame many difficult times during his illness. William would always try to convince us (with a cheerful smile) that things werent as dire as they seemed. In addition to his adoptive parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Christopher Peay. William is lovingly survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda Brown Peay, two sons, William Clifton Peay, and Antwain Edward Peay; the new light of his life- his first and only grandchild, Chloe Willow Peay-West; his biological mother, Annie M. Mills of Bridgeport, CT; four sisters-in-law, Jean Couthen, Shirley Spencer, Katie Peay, and Tammer Brown; three brothers-in-law, Sam Couthen, James Spencer, and James Brown; several very special and devoted nieces and nephews that he dearly loved including Cheryl (who was like a daughter) and her husband, Abdullah Rahman, who both called him Uncle, and were devoted to the care and well-being during his illness and were both by his side when he passed; Edward Vannard Valentine, Sr., Edward Valentine, Jr., who called William Uncle Chief, Jarmaine Brown, Terri Hartley, Sherri Aponte, Tramaine Brown, Sherita Valentine, known as Williams Rita Pie, and Jamie Brown; one Godchild affectionately called Gracie; and a devoted friend to Williams sons, Kyle Wright. Service on Thursday, October 3rd at 12:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Public viewing at Graham Funeral Home on Wednesday 9:00AM to 6:00PM and Thursday at the church 9:30 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Philo-Hill Magnet Academy, 410 Haverhill Street, W-S, NC 27127. Condolences may be sent to Graham Funeral Home, 635 Wilkesboro Street, Mocksville, NC, 27028; To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Edward Peay please visit our Sympathy Store.


Cemetery Details

Piedmont Memorial Gardens
3663 Piedmont Memorial Drive
Winston-Salem, NC, 27107



















Visitation






OCT 3. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)

Piney Grove Baptist Church

4715 Indiana Ave

Winston-Salem, NC, 27106


















Service






OCT 3 (EDT)

Piney Grove Baptist Church

4715 Indiana Ave

Winston-Salem, NC, 27106













Tributes

LINDY HARRIS ELLIS wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

" LINDY HARRIS ELLIS lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

LINDY HARRIS ELLIS wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

" i PRAY AND HOPE YOU FEEL SURROUNDED BY LOTS OF LOVE. LINDY HARRIS ELLIS"

George and Tricia Sorensen wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

" George And Tricia Sorensen lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Gwyneth Benjamin Foy wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

" I am so saddened to hear of Peay;s death. To my friend, Brenda, and family I send my deepest regrets. It seems like it was only a few years ago that we were at North Forsyth High School. My Time has passed so quickly! You will be in my prayers. Continue to trust God. He is a loving Father. Gwyneth Benjamin Foy "

Ruth Smith wrote on Oct 2, 2019:

" Ruth Smith lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Robert Smith wrote on Oct 2, 2019:

" Mr. Peay (even to this day; I will always call him Coach Peay) will always live in the hearts minds of the countless lives that he has touched. Definitely an all around good guy. I truly enjoyed his coaching and leadership while participating on the track team at Walkertown Jr. High (1976). You will be missed. Robert Smith "

Beautiful in Blue wrote on Oct 2, 2019:

" Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of William Edward Peay. "

Ronald Buchanan wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" We are sorry to hear of your loss. We hope that you will find comfort in happy memories of your time together and by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Peay is a great loss to the WSSU Ram family. Sharing in your sorrow. With love and friendship. Ronald and Shanlon Buchanan "

Curtis Fletcher wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" May God bless you all as you celebrate a life well lived.Coach Peay was my coach and teacher . I and my brothers are going to miss him. The entire Fletcher Family "

Charles Hayden wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" thoughts of Brenda and family of William may the grace of the Lord be with you! Knew you from days at Carver School. C Hayden "

Marilyn Cruter wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" Brenda and family, I am sending my deepest sympathy in the loss of Peay. I shall always remember his quiet style and grace. I'm so happy that we share the memories of the WSSU Class of 1974. Much love and prayers for you. Marilyn Bellamy Cruter President, WSSU Class of 74 "

Gregory Tuttle, M.D. wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" Ed was a great football team member at North Forsyth High School and great friend. My deepest condolences to Brenda and all his family. A great comfort to know he is with his Savior. With love and ongoing prayers for all his loved ones."

Gregory Tuttle wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" Gregory Tuttle"

Olinda Tillman Griffin wrote on Oct 1, 2019:

" Brenda, you are in my thoughts & prayers in the loss of Peay. Such fond memories of our years @ WSSU, his quiet & gentle spirit & a loyal friend. May You be comforted by God's peace & everlasting memories that will remain in your heart."

Ronnie A Caviness wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Ed Peay was one of my best friends and trusted colleague . Ed and I became Principals about the same time . We shared the same educational philosophy " Love and advocate for children and all the other things will work themselves out ". He was truly lovede by all . We shared many talks about our jobs, our families and our core beliefs and faith. Ed was an inspiration to me in his work as a Principal and his accomplishments in all phases of his life . I will truly miss Ed Peay . Prayers for his beautiful family . May God receive with love the soul of this beautiful man . "

Doris Eccles wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Doris Eccles lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Pamela Bushnell Hayes wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" My deepest condolences to the Peay Family..Brenda, my heart especially goes out to you because i know what its like to lose a beloved spouse. Hold on to the memories and to the consoling arms of God. "

Everette Scales wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" My deepest condolences to the family. Mr Peary was a assistant football coach at Walkertown Jr. High School. He was alway very cool and laid back. "

phylluspenn wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Sending special condolences to Brenda and the family! He will be solely missed. From William and Phyllis Penn "

Arthur Hardin wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Mr. Peay always shared kind, supportive words whenever he observed my officiating a game involving his school or his son. It will always be appreciated. Arthur Hardin "

Dr. Fran Oates wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" I send prayers and condolences to Brenda and her family. One of my proudest memories was seeing us serving as Principals who graduated from WSSU. "

glenda sapp wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" A wonderful person--caring, thoughtful, kind and a wonderful co-worker and role model with advice and always had my back! I am so sorry for his passing--he will be missed by his family and those that had the opportunity to work with him! Glenda Sapp "

Cynthia H Adams wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" My deepest sympathies to Mrs Brenda Peay and her family. "

Laura Watson wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Laura Watson lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

vera wilson wrote on Sep 30, 2019:

" Vera Wilson lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Leigh Farmer Weber wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Mr. Peay was a teacher of mine at Walkertown Jr. High. I have never forgotten him. He believed in me and encouraged me to do my best. I'm 53 now, a Presbyterian pastor serving a church in Seattle, WA but I have thought of him many times throughout my life. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very good soul. "

Steve Vogler wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Mr Peay was a teacher of mine in the seventh grade at Walkertown Junior High back in the day. He was one of those special teachers then and he always remembered me in later years. Great teacher and man! "

Nancy Gibson wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Brenda, I am so very sorry for your loss. William was a very special person and an extraordinary educator by all accounts. You and the boys are in my prayers. "

frank holcomb wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" William was a good man and was well liked as the Principal of Philo Middle. My boys enjoyed going to school there under his leadership. Prayers for Brenda and family during this most difficult time. "

Michelle Sheets wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Michelle Sheets lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Margaret Rehder wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Mr. Peay was a wonderful principal. I will always remember his kindness, and that wonderful smile. He made such a positive impact on his staff and his students. My condolences to his family. You are in my prayers. Margaret Rehder "

DeValdean Penn wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" It was very hard ,when I got the news that William had passed away. Even though I new he was very I'll, William would away greet you a smile and never complained about what he was going through. He always treated me a brother in there family. We will miss him. Also going miss his special homemade icecream. :ram:Ram :+1:his gifts:studio_microphone::musical_score::notes::pray:ing for the family. "

Leigh Ann Moore wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" I was a student at Parkland. I remember how much he tried to connect with us. He would play Babyface on the loud speaker and would speak to any student. Heaven gained a special angel!! "

Mindy Baker wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Mindy Baker lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Williette Mcgriff wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" My name is Williette Mcgriff I work for Mr.Peay at Philo middle school one day he came to work and told me he found his family cause he was adopted he told me we are cousin and yes we are me and Frank Cain another guy who work with Mr.Peay we call him P working with P was a gift to me cause he kept you laughing and smiling all the time it was not one sad day you had around P I will always love and miss him so much God got a soldier RIH Mr. Peay P "

Helen and Harvey Coats wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" We are so sorry to hear of Williams passing. We were next door neighbors for a long time. William helped me get a job with the school system. He was at Cook middle school working for Shirley Atkinson. I got the job and have been friends with her for many years. He leaves a lovely family and lots of friends. Will remember him for a very long time. Helen and Harvey Coats "

Bernard Thompson wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" My condolences to the family praying for you and please know that GOD will take care of you he was a wonder person to work with I met him at Philo Middle when I worked in transportation "

Shirley A. Yoder wrote on Sep 29, 2019:

" Peay was such a happy, friendly, and loyal individual. We had such a good time working together at Cook Middle School. I knew I could always count on him regardless of the situations we encountered. And, he found a way every day to make me laugh! Brenda, I pray that God's Love will give you and your children peace and comfort during this difficult time. Shirley Atkinson Yoder "

Chris Nifong wrote on Sep 28, 2019:

" Chris Nifong lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Slonie &. Valerie Scott wrote on Sep 28, 2019:

" Slonie &. Valerie Scott lit a candle in memory of William Edward Peay "

Cynthia Duncan wrote on Sep 27, 2019:

" Will always remember rehearsals and events when Peay played for Ebony music Company...such a dear friend....love to Brenda and family. "