Early Lee Peterson, 92, formerly of Panama City, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016 in Chipley, FL. He was born February 18, 1924 in Midland City, Alabama to Posie & Mary Peterson. He was a retired civil service welder at the Naval Mine Defense Laboratory for 32 years retiring in 1979. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Nancy Byrd, Mildred Danley, Beatrice Walters; two brothers, PC Peterson, Johnny Peterson and a nephew, Tommy Peterson. He is survived by 3 nieces, Dorothy Talton; Jane Allison (Sam); Linda Justice; 5 nephews, Paul Peterson (Terri); Donald Peterson, Danny Ray Peterson (Juanita); Earl Peterson (Susie), Tony Peterson (Linda) and numerous great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Ernie Gray officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Emerald Coast Hospice, 1330 South Blvd, Chipley, FL 32428. The family would like to thank Dr. Annette Porter, Mark Garney and the staff of Emerald Coast Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.