Peterson, William Howard, 88 of Gainesville, passed away Wednesday, August 6th, 2014 at the Select Specialty Hospital. Mr. Peterson was born in Cross City, FL on July 26, 1926. Pete served in the US Navy during WWII and when he returned home he went into the produce business and owned and operated Peterson Produce until he retired in 1986. Pete was a member of the Impact Church in High Springs and in his later years attended Eliam Baptist Church in Melrose. He was also a member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge #41.Pete is survived by his wife, Thelma H. Dampier, step-mother Clydie Peterson of Cross City, son's Kent Ward(Denise) of Green Cove Springs, Rickey Elkins (Vicky ) of Alachua , Rudy Dampier(Patti) of Bostwick, Steve Dampier(Lisa) of Brooker, daughters, Darlene Stapleton of Melrose and Connie Cornelius of Ocala. A brother Earl Peterson ( Belle) of Tallahassee and Many Grandchildren and great grandchildren and two God Children.Funeral services for Mr. Peterson will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2014 at 10:00am at the Forest Meadows Funeral Home Chapel, 725 NW 23rd Ave., the family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service starting at 9:00am. Burial will be private at the Forest Meadows Memorial Park Easts Military Garden of Honor. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528