Clayton William Peterson

Clayton William Peterson, Sr., known affectionately as “Pete” by his coworkers and “Mr. P.” by many in the community, was called home by the Lord on 8 July 2025.  He passed peacefully at home in Seffner, Florida, with his wife by his side.  He was 82 years old.

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Clayton graduated from Hillsborough High School before enlisting in the United States Navy.  He served with distinction from 1960 to 1963 as an Electrician’s Mate during the Cuban Missile Crisis, assigned to the destroyers USS HOLDER and USS SUMNER.  He was recognized as the Honor Graduate of Electrician’s Mate “A” School at USNTC Great Lakes, and he advanced to the rank of EM2 (E-5) in under three years.  His example of service inspired both of his sons to follow in his footsteps and serve in the Navy.

After his military service, Clayton worked briefly at National Cash Register and drove dump trucks before beginning a long and steady career at Tampa Electric Company (TECO), where he was employed for 34 years until his retirement in 2005.  In addition to his professional career, Clayton was ordained as an elder in the Primitive Baptist Church on 15 January 1994.  He went on to serve as pastor to several congregations throughout Florida, including Orange, Empire, and Oak Grove Churches, and then briefly at Mt. Olive Church.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lorie; his daughters Kimberly “Michelle” and Angela “Faith”; his sons Clayton “CW”, Jr. and Chad; his grandchildren: Kelsey, Jonathan, Karaline, Kamryn, Callan, Riley, Lexie, and Cole; and his great-granddaughter, Nova.  He is also survived by his siblings: Ronald Peterson, Barbara Worsham, and Betty Williams.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth “Ken” and Oressa Peterson.  He will be remembered as a quiet but steady husband, father and grandfather. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 11 July, at Salem Primitive Baptist Church, 14402 Salem Church Road, Dover, Florida, 33527.