1933
Carl
2020
Carl Savage Peaster
July 19, 1933 — December 24, 2020
Carl was born in Montezuma on July 19, 1933, to Nina Parks Peaster and William Robert Peaster. Carl would develop a love of basketball early on, crafting a homemade backboard and a goal with no net when he was in middle school, shooting every night until it was too dark to see. Though he died when Carl was 16, his beloved grandfather was the inspiration that would push him to carry that drive and passion with him throughout much of his life. A 1952 graduate of Montezuma High School, Carl was a stand-out basketball player, starting all four years in high school, leading Montezuma to the state championship three out of four years and winning a state championship one of those years.During his high school years, he was named the Most Valuable Player for the State of Georgia for two years, Best Shooter of the Decade, and named to the All Decade Team for the State of Georgia. As a high school player, he was a National Hall of Fame nominee, scoring 2000 points over his high school career, before the establishment of the 3-point line. He played for the South All-Star team in the State All-Star game in 1952 and would ironically serve as head coach of the girls' State All-Star team thirty years later. After graduation, he played basketball for Georgia Southwestern and State University for two years before being drafted into the Army, where he worked in Army Intelligence for a couple of years.While serving in Germany, he also played with the Army basketball team where he entertained soldiers throughout Europe.
Upon returning to Georgia, Carl finished his collegiate basketball career at Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern). As a collegiate player, he averaged 22 points a game and would later be named to the Georgia Southwestern Sports Hall of Fame. After graduation, Carl returned to Macon County High School where he coached multiple sports, but girls' basketball became his love.He would go on to coach girls' basketball for twenty three seasons, with two brief stints in Jackson.During his coaching career, his teams had an 83% winning percentage, including six undefeated regular seasons, for a total of 447 games won overall in his coaching career. His teams won Region six times and was State Runner-Up once. He was selected to coach the All-American team and was named Region Coach of the Year six different times. He was named the State of Georgia's Coach of the Year twice.He was also named the Southeastern United States Coach of the Year and was invited to Indianapolis where he was named runner-up for National Coach of the Year.
After retiring, he was a nominee for the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Atlanta Tip Off Club as a lifetime member.Some of his former players described him as "top of the list when it came to dedication," that he was "well-respected by his players and opposing coaches."One player noted that many girls received college scholarships as a result of his dedication, and that he "truly cared what their future would hold after high school," noting that "many former players today have much better and more productive lives as a result of Carl Peaster's coaching." Although girls' scholarships weren't given in basketball until 1975, 26 girls were sent to college on scholarships from this small, Class A school over a 10 year period.
For 11 years, Carl coached and served as principal of Macon County High School before leaving the court completely.His family ties and great love for this community kept him in Macon County, and Carl went on to spend 21 years as Principal of Macon County High School where he was known for his "thoughts for the day" and a leadership style that was described as a balance of compassion and no nonsense. In addition, he served many years as deacon for Cedar Valley Baptist Church in Montezuma and was later a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at First Baptist Church, Montezuma. At the time of his death, he was a member of Montezuma United Methodist Church. After retiring, he worked as a student teacher supervisor for Georgia Southwestern State University and served as a City Councilmember for two terms.
Carl loved his hometown and community and loved reminiscing about his days as a player, coach, and principal. He also loved long road trips in his RV and fishing on the Chattahoochee River. More importantly, he cherished his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.He will be greatly missed.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and William Robert Peaster and brother Billy Peaster.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Roberts Chew Peaster of Montezuma; children, Carl Savage Peaster, Jr. ("Buddy") (Cindy), of Murfressboro, TN, Ginger Peaster Averill, of Pinehurst, GA, Todd Monroe Peaster (Lindsay), of Madison, GA; stepchildren, Lisa Chew Cole (Kevin) of Montezuma, GA, Stephen Chew (Stephanie) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Taylor Peaster, John "John-John" Averill, Jared Averill, Harrison Peaster, Grant Peaster; step-grandchildren, Jacob Cole and Sara Cole.He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and many cousins who he dearly loved.
Reverend Jonathan Beckum and Dr. Randy Gregg will be officiating the service. Due to social distancing recommendations, there will be a graveside-only service at Bertha Dozier Memorial Park in Montezuma on Sunday, December 27th at 2:00 PM. Anyone is invited to attend, but social distancing and masks are encouraged.
Carl will lie in state for viewing at the funeral home for friends on Saturday, December 26th from 9 AM until 5 PM, and from 9 AM to 1 PM, Sunday, December 27th.
Watson-Mathews Funeral Home in Montezuma, GA is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Carl Savage Peaster.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carl Savage Peaster, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
LIE IN STATE FOR VIEWING
Saturday, December 26, 2020
9:00am - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Watson Mathews Funeral Home
LIE IN STATE FOR VIEWING
Sunday, December 27, 2020
9:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Watson Mathews Funeral Home
Graveside Service
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Bertha Dozier Memorial Park
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