from the FSBOA

Pompano Beach, FL — On Tuesday (Aug. 29) Russell Peavyhouse, 80, of Valrico, Fla. slipped quietly from his physical body to enter a fuller, richer relationship with God, whom he had followed since childhood.

Peavyhouse was born on April 30, 1937 in Pickett County, Tenn. and was the oldest child of Justine Richardson Peavyhouse and Kenneth Abraham Peavyhouse. After graduation from Carson Newman University (B.A.) and Stetson Law School (J.D.), he practiced law in Hillsborough County from 1963 until 2007.

He was a key leader in his church all of his adult life, serving in numerous capacities including Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He taught for over 55 years at Spencer Memorial Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Brandon, and South Tampa Fellowship.

Peavyhouse was a past member and on the Board of Directors for the Florida Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association (FSBOA) in addition to being a member of the USTA. He owned 63 and bred over 46 Standardbred horses in Florida, including 2016 Kentucky Sire Stakes champion Cracker Cam.

He is survived by four siblings, Phillip Clayton Peavyhouse (Saundra), Janet Peavyhouse Maxim, Rita Peavyhouse Paulich (Don), and James Stephen Peavyhouse (Janet). Russ married Faye Leavins in 1959 and is survived by her; his two daughters, Julie Ann Peavyhouse Melnyk (Andrew) and Amy Jo Peavyhouse Wilde (Matt); former son-in-law, RJ Quezon; six grandchildren, Stefan Melnyk, Jaime Quezon, Gabrielle Quezon, Christopher Melnyk, Caleb Quezon, Jencen Wilde; a large extended family.

For more information, to leave condolences or make donations please click here.