Long-time editor of The Apopka Chief, John R. Peery, died in his sleep Thursday, October 12.
Peery grew up in Apopka, and later rose to editor of The Apopka Chief, having capped off his 40-year career at The Chief two years ago. He was 67.
John was a deacon at Trinity Baptist Church, an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan, and an icon around Apopka. He touched every area of Apopka life, through his involvement and excellence in news coverage for the newspaper.
Peery was born in Halls, Tennessee, on May 28, 1956, and soon moved to Apopka when he was five years old. His dad, James C. Peery was the principal at Lovell Elementary school in Apopka, and his mother, Mary Ann Peery was in education as well.
John, and his wife Grace Peery, were faithful fixtures at most all Apopka High sporting events. He was a 1974 graduate of Apopka Memorial High School, and 1978 graduate of University of Central Florida.
The Apopka Chief editor won dozens of journalistic, sports, and photography awards through the Florida Press Association, and directed the news operations of The Apopka Chief for decades.
John was preceded in death by his dad and mom, James C. and Mary Ann Peery. He left behind his loving wife Grace Peery, daughter Kristin Peery Martin (Austin), stepson Adam Shaw (Angela), and brothers Mike (Judy) Peery, and Robert (Heather) Peery; and grandchildren Jacob, Parker and Emma Shaw, Bailey and Peyton Martin.
Funeral services will be conducted by Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka.
Service
Visitation
Apopka High School Auditorium
555 Martin Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
October 17, 2023
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Funeral
Apopka High School Auditorium
555 Martin Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
October 17, 20235:30pm
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Tom Stutzman says
My heart has been broken with the news of John’s passing John was a friend and he was always smiling. I love you John, I will see you again soon!
Praying for Grace and the family.
Love, Melanie King (formerly of Apopka FL) says
Was so saddened and shocked to learn about John’s passing. Grew up around Rob at FBC Apopka. John was always a friend. Talented and participating in music at Trinity Baptist where we all became members later in life. Always enjoyed reading his coverage of sports in the Apopka Chief & as Editor as well. A huge icon in Apopka that I hope his legacy in sports of Apopka will live on. My fellow friend and Blue Darter Rest in Peace John and Thank you for being so faithful to our once small town Apopka.
Love, hugs & prayers to all of you. Proverbs 17:17
Patrick Thomson says
I would like to express my sincere, heartfelt, condolences to the wife and extended family of John Peery. Both of my sons graduated from Apopka High School and I have been an avid fan of the Blue Darter football team for 24 seasons.
I always read John’s columns in the Apopka Chief related to Blue Darter football, as I found them inciteful and at times funny. Although I did not know John well on a personal level, we would from time to time, exchange pleasantries at sporting events. I last spoke to John at the pancake supper and Pep Rally before the Edgewater game. Little did I know that that would be the last time.
Life is short, but the memories our loved ones leave us with are enduring. May his family take comfort knowing he’s in a better place.
Val Maxwell says
My deepest sympathy to John’s family. I knew John when he was a youngster when Brother Mike Peery and I were in Scouting. He was a fun and caring person back then and into his later years.
I will be out of town during Visitation and Services but my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sorry for your great loss.
Val Maxwell
AMHS 1967
Debra kaplan says
John Peery will long be remembered as a reporter and editor who cared deeply for his community, his profession, but most importantly his family. It was an honor to work with John at the Sun Newspaper Group in 1989 during its brief run and the Apopka Chief and Planter from 1992 to 1997. Rest In Peace John, you will be missed.
Melanie King ( Formerly of Apopka FL) says
I was saddened & shocked to learn of John’s passing. I knew John my whole life from attending First Baptist to Trinity Baptist both in Apopka. I really hope we can continue John’s legacy as a huge loss for Apopka. Thank you John for all you did for our once small town. May you rest in peace my friend. Hugs & prayers today & in the days ahead.
Deanna M. Gugel says
I was so sorry to hear of John’s death. I worked with him when I was at Tribune Company. He was such a nice person who really cared about his community. His death is not only a loss for his family but for local journalism. I send my condolences to the family. I wish I could be there for the service but have a prior commitment. I hope you can take solace in the commitment and love he always showed and how much the Apopka community loved him back.
George Morse says
I wish to express my condolences to John’s family.
Both of my sons graduated from Apopka High School and I began my OCPS career coaching there in 1988, which is when I first met John. We have been friends since even as I left AHS to work elsewhere these past 36 years in OCPS.
I last spoke to John at Beef O’Bradys about a month ago while he and his wife were eating there along with me and my wife. Little did I know that that would be the final time.
RIP my friend.
Priscilla Ragin says
Please accept our family’s deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved John. We had just recently joined Trinity Baptist Church and had not had the opportunity to know Mr. Peery personally but from all the beautiful remembrances I have heard from others he must have been a truly remarkable man. God bless your family in this most difficult time.
Stephen posey says
This is la.cousin praying for you’ll