Earnest Eric Peterson, the son of the late Shirley Peterson Dennard (Willie) and Cleveland (Betty) Peterson Jr., was born in Dougherty County, Georgia on April 20, 1967.

His educational experience in the Dougherty County School System provided him many opportunities to show his skills in different sport activities. He was a member of the Westover High School football and track teams and in these capacities, he was awarded multiple awards for his athletic abilities. During an awards banquet, as he walked to receive recognition of his achievements, he earned the name that many of us knew him by, "Moody Bop."  He later attended Albany State (College) University and Walden University.

"Moody Bop" was a passionate man when it came to the love of his   family. On December 17, 1996, he was joined in holy matrimony to his adored and devoted Lawanda Hawkins Peterson, and they became one flash.

Earnest had a love for God that he hid in his heart for many years.  In 1996, he openly displayed that love by joining Trinity Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Howard III, where he served faithfully for a number of years.

Earnest always had a vision of being the boss and excelled at whatever he did. This gave him the drive to open several businesses: Peterson's Asbestos Removal Service, Safetec Security Specialists, The Elite Clothing Shoppe, Club Illusions, and most recently, the reopening of Safetec   Security Services.

On Friday July 19, 2019, Earnest's earthly journey ended and he quietly entered into eternal rest to join his mother, Shirley Dennard; grand-mothers, Doris L. Clay and Tommie L. Christian; and grandfathers, Cleveland Peterson Sr. and Joe B. Christian.

His love and memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife Lawanda Hawkins Peterson and seven children: four daughters,   Sheniedra Fudge, Erica Peterson, and Destiny Gregory, of Atlanta, GA and Eryauna Lucas of Albany, GA;  three sons, Montavious (Martina) Wilson, Garry Hawkins, of Atlanta, GA and Xzavier Lucas of Albany, GA; three sisters, Casquela (Gregory) Reed of Albany, GA, Shirley (Jason) Sherman of Los Angeles, CA, and Teresa Dione White of At-lanta, GA; one brother, Zacteria Ushon White of Albany, GA; several step sisters and step brothers; four grandchildren, Jaylen fields, Julian Brown, Jaida Manley, and Kaliya Manley of Atlanta, GA; 10 nephews and nieces, Venzquela Peterson, Demetrius Peterson, Gregory Mallory, Ashley Holley, Vannazquela (Justine) White, Ze'Kia Reed, Jasmine Shorter, Keyanber Shorter, Keishordra Reed, and Charnel Sherman; 16  great-nephews and nieces, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins , and friends.