Well, y’all… I finally did it. I retired.

Not just from work, but from this earthly life—and let me tell you, the benefits up here are outstanding. No alarm clocks, no bills, and the fish? Oh, the fish are huge, biting all day long, and not a single one has slipped off the hook. I always said I’d fish when I felt like it, and now I get to do it forever.

I was born on October 22, 1956, in Armstrong, Florida, to two of the finest folks God ever made the late Annie Lou and John Henry Peeples Sr. Alongside my parents, my auntie Bessie Mae (Bobbie) Brown raised me with love, grit, and enough wisdom to last me a lifetime and then some. I grew up in the Armstrong community, a place I loved dearly and never wanted to leave. I got my start at Hasting Elementary School, and graduated from Hasting High School, where I learned more than just reading and arithmetic, I learned how to work hard, love harder, stand tall, and treat folks right.

I worked with pride and purpose at Wise Potato Chips, where I learned the value of hustle and the joy of a good snack. I built things that lasted at Smith & Shepard Construction, and I kept things moving at Knox & Rivers Construction. I spent a little time farming at Von Brothers Farming, where I picked up the love of gardening. Finally, I wrapped up my working years at Hudson Company, where I gave it my all for 40 plus years until the day, I hung up my boots and picked up my fishing pole for good.

To my family: I heard every word y’all said. Yes, I should’ve taken more naps. Yes, I should’ve stopped fixing things that weren’t broken. And yes, I probably didn’t need that many fishing rods. But I regret none of it.

I lived my life with a lot of faith. I was a member of First Baptist Church of Armstrong, Fl.

My favorite scripture was John 14:2

“In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”

Well, I’m here now—and I’m pretty sure mine has a screened-in porch, a rocking chair, and a lake stocked with catfish, brims, and bass the size of Buicks.

I was preceded in death by my father John Henry Peeples, my mother Annie Lou Peeples, my uncle Bobbie Brown and aunt Bessie Mae Brown, my brothers Dennis Peeples and Earnest Peeples, and my sisters Barbara Jean Peeples and Margaret Anderson. They were all here waiting at the gates with open arms and a few jokes.

I leave to cherish my memories my loving wife of 52 years, Malinda Peeples, who kept me grounded, on my toes, and laughing even when I was being stubborn. My two children: William (Katrina) Peeples II and Roshanda (Willie) Peeples-Rice, who made me proud every single day. My bonus children: Tisha Humphrey, and Dontae Gilmore. My brothers John Henry Peeples, Charles (Alma)Peeples, Victor (Sandra)Peeples, and my sister Carolyn Peeples. My grandchildren: William Peeples III, Alverso Knight (Peanut), De’shonteria Alexander (Sissy), Carlisa Venable, Mikhia Peeples, Titiana Peeples, Domonique Peeples (Neak), and Malik Peeples (Buddy) each one a blessing, each one a story I bragged about, and my great-great grandson, Dehzen Stokes (D-Man), who gave me hope for the future and a reason to smile even on the tough days.

I also leave behind a host of in-laws, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, a Godsister Lucretia Steward that loved me unconditionally like her real brother and I loved her so dearly, and one very special woman who loved me like her own, Ruby Davis, my “like-a-mama,” who always had a plate ready and a prayer waiting.

Please don’t cry too long, I’m good. I’m better than good. I’m finally free, finally retired, and finally fishing without a care in the world, and when your time comes, I’ll be waiting at the dock with a pole in one hand, a cold drink in the other, and a big smile.

Until then, keep the faith, love each other, and for heaven’s sake don’t touch my fishing gear.