C. Wesley Peebles
May 27, 1926 ~ March 14, 2016
C. Wesley Peebles, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday in May, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Reston Hospital Center on March 14, 2016.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jackie; sister Nan Wisniewski of Virginia Beach; his step children, who loved him as he did them, Suzanne LeClere Bailey (Patty) and LTC Robert Oliver Bailey USMC (Carmen); grandchildren, Maggie and Finn Bailey; and his equally beloved Airedale, Alfie.
Wes was born in Lawrenceville, VA. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Commerce in 1948 where he lived on the Lawn for two years and earned a commission as a Reserve Naval Officer through the NROTC program. He then earned a MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1950. He attended his 65th class reunion last year. Always able to see and seize opportunity, Wes made his first trip to Europe as a navigation officer aboard the USS Chewaucan (AOG-50), a harbor tanker being moved from Norfolk to the Mediterranean. He retired from the Naval Reserves in 1986 as a Commander, his last assignment as the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Intelligence Unit, Richmond, VA. He remained grateful for the experiences the Navy provided him and took pride in his service.
After graduation from Harvard, Wes worked for Chemical Bank in New York and Carter oil company (later Exxon) in Tulsa. In 1954, at his father's urging, he returned to Lawrenceville to join the family business, W.S. Peebles & Company. In 1969, he left and started his own successful chain of stores. He sold these in 1977, moved to McLean and began taking art classes. Wes' love of art and history was enriched by his relationship with the National Gallery of Art and its Library. In addition to drawing and painting, he enjoyed traveling both abroad and in the US, especially when he could fill his plane with fellow tennis players and fly to Amelia Island or Hilton Head. He read constantly and widely. He was a good story teller and very good company.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, March 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9108 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville, VA at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in Cox Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Gallery of Art (the Library), 2000 B. South Club Drive, Landover, MD 20785; Airedale Rescue, 5056 Ten Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, or a cause of your choice.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jackie; sister Nan Wisniewski of Virginia Beach; his step children, who loved him as he did them, Suzanne LeClere Bailey (Patty) and LTC Robert Oliver Bailey USMC (Carmen); grandchildren, Maggie and Finn Bailey; and his equally beloved Airedale, Alfie.
Wes was born in Lawrenceville, VA. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Commerce in 1948 where he lived on the Lawn for two years and earned a commission as a Reserve Naval Officer through the NROTC program. He then earned a MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1950. He attended his 65th class reunion last year. Always able to see and seize opportunity, Wes made his first trip to Europe as a navigation officer aboard the USS Chewaucan (AOG-50), a harbor tanker being moved from Norfolk to the Mediterranean. He retired from the Naval Reserves in 1986 as a Commander, his last assignment as the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Intelligence Unit, Richmond, VA. He remained grateful for the experiences the Navy provided him and took pride in his service.
After graduation from Harvard, Wes worked for Chemical Bank in New York and Carter oil company (later Exxon) in Tulsa. In 1954, at his father's urging, he returned to Lawrenceville to join the family business, W.S. Peebles & Company. In 1969, he left and started his own successful chain of stores. He sold these in 1977, moved to McLean and began taking art classes. Wes' love of art and history was enriched by his relationship with the National Gallery of Art and its Library. In addition to drawing and painting, he enjoyed traveling both abroad and in the US, especially when he could fill his plane with fellow tennis players and fly to Amelia Island or Hilton Head. He read constantly and widely. He was a good story teller and very good company.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, March 31 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9108 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville, VA at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in Cox Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Gallery of Art (the Library), 2000 B. South Club Drive, Landover, MD 20785; Airedale Rescue, 5056 Ten Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, or a cause of your choice.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Wes was a wonderful and upbeat gentleman with an easy smile and always a kind word. I enjoyed working with him. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of my “Uncle Buzz”. It’s been a very long time since we have seen each other but I have many memories as a young child and my visits to my grandparents … Clyde and Wes…. your parents. You lived behind them in Lawrenceville. Have kept up with you thru talks with mom. RIP Uncle Buzz…….Love your niece Linda……..
Wes was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss him very much. We extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to Jackie and family.
My memories of Wes include sharing wine and wonderful stories. The world has lost a kind and gentle soul.
Dick and I enjoyed many happy hours with Wes in his home over the years. He was the perfect host for his in-law family.
Wes was a dear friend of 50 years. He was a wonderful, warm human being, generous to others, forever seeking out learning wherever he could find it, enjoying travel, the arts, good food and wine, and obviously in love with his beautiful wife (and dog). Natalie and I will miss him greatly. It was a privilege to be included among his many friends.
Jackie, I am so sorry for your loss. Wes was one of the nicest guys I have meet. His talent was exceptional. Jim
Wes will be missed by all of us whose lives he touches in a very positive way. He was and is a mentor to many, and he may not have even realized this. What a legacy! Jackie and the family- I hope and pray that the happy memories will fill your hours of reflection.
Rest in peace Wes. We will miss seeing and chatting with you on our dog walks.
Rest in peace Wes. We will miss seeing and chatting with you on our dog walks.
I remember admiring Wes’ stamina and wit and charm. I’m so glad he and Jackie came to my husband’s Celebration of Life in August. I am thankful for the many loving years you two had together, and the adventures you shared all over the world. He was a Blessing to your and his families, and to all who knew him. His obituary is of the long and fulfilling life of a man who knew how to love and to have fun. May he rest in peace.
Bonnie and I are so sorry for the loss of Wes or “Buzz” as I have always known him. I remember staying at my grandfather’s house for a month in the summer as a young boy and dropping in on Uncle Buzz whose house was just down the hill. He took me flying in his Beach twin and I always enjoyed his company! Those are very fawn memories for me. He was a good man and we will miss him! My only regret was I didn’t visit him as I had wished as the Airforce sent me from VA to WY and then AK, and AK is where we stayed. Love, blessings, and prayers to my Auntie Jackie and her children and grandchildren from Steve and Bonnie Wisniewski Alaska
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time . Your husband and father always lifted me up and was a phenomal man a true class act . That laugh – loved it . I wanted you all to know I have a special place in my heart for him . Fly high Wes , your missed ! Love , Alexis Palumbo
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time . Your husband and father always lifted me up and was a phenomal man a true class act . That laugh – loved it . I wanted you all to know I have a special place in my heart for him . Fly high Wes , your missed ! Love , Alexis Palumbo
Memories live forever and what fantastic memories we have of Wes; a true original and Renaissance man blessed with charm, wit and kindness.
My very deepest condolences Jackie. May all the cherished memories of a wonderful, adventuress, & well traveled life together remain with you always. Sending you love and prayers.