Eugene Wood Durrett 'Gene' Peyton

May 1, 1928 - November 29, 2020

Eugene Wood Durrett "Gene" Peyton, of Christiansburg, VA, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went to his Heavenly Home on November 29th, 2020. A private, family, graveside service to celebrate Gene's life will be officiated by his grandson, Philip Andrew "Drew" Peyton at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Christiansburg, VA, a school of your choice in honor of your favorite teacher, or Good Samaritan Hospice, Christiansburg, VA. Gene was born on May 1, 1928, in Albemarle County, VA to Henry Sutton Creel Peyton, Sr. and Sammie Lizzie Durrett. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annie Octavia Perdue and her husband Howard; nephew Thomas Perdue; brother Henry Sutton Creel Peyton, Jr. and his wife Geneva. Eugene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Ann Walker Peyton; son, David Sutton Peyton and his wife Jacquie; granddaughter, Abigail Ann Peyton; son, Philip Walker Peyton and his wife Carmen; grandson, Drew Peyton and his wife Sarah; great granddaughter, Ayla Grace Peyton; grandson, Dustin Allen Peyton and his wife Lydia; grandson, Dallas Walker Peyton; nephews, Randy Peyton and Paul Perdue; and nieces, Becky Peyton and Ann Shepperson. Two things Gene was most proud of, in addition to his loving family, were his involvement in his church, St. Paul and his 37 year career in education that began in 1951 when he was appointed Head Teacher at Price's Fork Elementary School in Montgomery County, VA. His career continued with a focus on Educational Administration and Supervision resulting in him holding positions in several school systems across VA including Teacher, Principal, Director of Instruction, and Superintendent. Eugene's career culminated with his retirement in 1988, the same year that he received the Administrator of the Year Award for Montgomery County Schools for his work as Principal at Riner Elementary School. He believed any successes that he had in the field of education came from making sure the students and teachers felt good about themselves. He genuinely loved education, his students, and his staff members. Following his retirement from education, Gene operated his antique business - Peyton's Possibilities out of Cambria Emporium and Virginia Inn Antique Shop. The Peyton Family would like to extend deepest gratitude to all of the folks at Good Samaritan Hospice. We are eternally grateful for your guidance through a very difficult time.