07/28/2022
Edwin W. Peck, Sr.
June 21, 1918 - July 26, 2022
As our family mourns the passing of our patriarch, Edwin Wyatt Peck, Sr., better known as Big Ed, who passed away on July 26, 2022 at age 104, we cherish the wonderful memories we have of this remarkable man. Ed was born in Florence, SC, but was raised in Atlanta, GA, the third of seven children. He met and married Hilda Williams, the reigning Miss Atlanta (1939) and first Miss United States (1939) in 1940 and they were happily married for 71 years until her death in 2011. After serving in the Army during World War II, the Pecks moved to Gainesville, FL, in 1945, where Ed opened his own timber business. While there he was a member of the First Baptist Church and was very active in the community. Governor Farris Bryant appointed Ed as head of a committee to raise money for the University of Florida. He was President of the Rotary Club and later elected as District Governor of Rotary International. He was also chosen as Boss of the Year by the Professional Women’s Association of Gainesville, FL. In 2006 he was honored on Florida Field as a 50-year Gator Booster, a service that now exceeds 70 years. In 1969 after selling his timber business, the Pecks who had always loved and vacationed in Daytona Beach, decided to move here and begin a new phase of their lives. It is well known that they were pioneers in the condominium industry, having built the very first oceanfront condominium in this area, Surfside Club in Daytona Beach Shores, and opening Peck Realty of Daytona Beach, Inc. in 1969 (which is still owned and operated by his family). His legacy includes numerous other condominiums, including Peck Plaza (the tallest on the coast from Maine to Miami when built), The Caribbean, The Ashley, Seychelles, The Peninsula, The Sherwin and Ormond Heritage, only to name a few. His efforts not only changed the coastline of the Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach, but provided jobs, homes and spurred significant tourism for thousands of people, delivering substantial economic impact to the community. In 2018, he was the Grand Marshall of the Daytona Beach Shores Christmas Parade. In 2019 on his 101st birthday, Volusia County honored him with a reception announcing plans to have an oceanfront park named in his honor in Daytona Beach Shores, which opened in June of 2022. Although he did work hard, he also loved traveling, Gator football, playing golf, cards and being with close friends. Although the Pecks made many international trips, they especially enjoyed a three-month trip around the world on the maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II. Above all, faith, his love of family and dedication to business never wavered. This included organizing many family trips and bringing the family together as often as possible, whether it was a simple get-together or a big celebration, it was always fun.
Throughout his life, Ed, was very quiet and humble, but had a determined spirit. He was a mentor to many family members, friends and people less fortunate. He gave generously of his time, his experience and his money to help so many people. Often, the family was not even aware of the way he helped others, until someone told them years later.
He is predeceased by his parents, Arnette and P.W. Peck, his wife, Hilda, brothers Ellis, P.W., Jr., William and Louis and son-in-law, Terry Davidson. He is survived by his children, Sherry Peck Davidson and Edwin Peck, Jr., his grandchildren, Todd Davidson, Ashley Davidson Tefft (Clipper), Blake Davidson (Leslie) and Taylor Davidson (Katie), and Wyatt Peck. Ed was also the proud great-grandfather of Skylar and Brady Davidson, Cameron, Landon and Grayson Tefft, Lauren Davidson, Chase, Ella and Riley Davidson. Surviving siblings are Arnette King of McMinnville, TN and Claudette Fender, Valdosta, GA, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Todd Davidson, Blake Davidson, Taylor Davidson, Brady Davidson, Cameron Tefft, Landon Tefft, Grayson Tefft and Wyatt Peck.
The Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, July 29, 2022 in the Chapel at Lohman Funeral Home ORMOND, 733 W.
Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 30, 2022 also in The Chapel at Lohman Funeral Home ORMOND. Entombment will follow in the Peck Private Estate at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114.
Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.
