Van Peeples

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William Vance ‘Van’ Peeples passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Van was born on October 18, 1947, at Downey Hospital to the late William Sidney Peeples and Margaret Hulsey Peeples. He grew up in his beloved Gainesville and was a 1966 graduate of Gainesville High School. He went on to attend the University of Georgia obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education in 1974. He remained an ardent Bulldog supporter his entire life. His education was put on hold briefly for his enlistment in the United States Navy from 1968-1972. He was deeply proud of the skills he obtained and the friendships he made while serving his country during the Vietnam War. Many of these skills translated into his ability to fix, build, wire or make pretty much anything he wanted. Van was incredibly mechanical and had a special talent for woodworking, making many pieces of furniture for his own home, his family, and his friends.

Van returned home to Gainesville after the Navy and married Jean Rogers in 1974, they would have celebrated 52 years of marriage later in September.

Van spent his working years in the family commercial printing company. Anyone who worked with him or for him knew he had a tremendous work ethic and always made everyone feel important, no matter their job or role at the company.

Van’s retirement years coincided with him becoming a grandfather. He spent countless hours watching his grandchildren’s activities and games and working with them in his ‘workshop’ helping them be creative and make just about anything they wanted. They were the true light of his life.

Van is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean Rogers Peeples, his son and daughter-in-law, Will and Kingsley Peeples of Gainesville; Grandchildren Addison and Liam Peeples; Brother and sister-in-law John and Leslie Peeples of Milton, Ga; Sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Jon McIntire of Lula, GA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom Van dearly loved and spoke of often.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, for their loving care of Van and his family in his final days.

No formal services will be held, but the family will receive friends at Mason Funeral Home, Tuesday September 8th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Good News Clinics, P.O. Box 2683 Gainesville, GA 30503 or a charity of one’s choice.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at masonfuneralhomegainesville.com

Mason Funeral Home, 758 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.