Richard “Dick” Allan Peck, Ph.D., 82, of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026. Born on December 17, 1943, he was the son of the late Richard and Janet Peck. Dick was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Morganton where he served as a Deacon, Clerk of Session, Sunday School Teacher and was a part of the volunteer maintenance crew, the “God Squad,” fixing things around the church. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Heidelburg College in Tiffin, Ohio and later earned a Masters and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dick enjoyed hiking, biking, camping, fishing, gardening and sharing crops with his friends, and watching UNC and Carolina Panther Football. He was an avid golfer and served on the Board of Directors at Mimosa Hills Country Club. He loved going on golfing trips with his buddies. After retirement, Dick supervised student teachers at the University of Akron.
He served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity. He was a lifelong member of the Morganton Lions Club, and was Vice President of The Residence Association at Grace Ridge.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Amanda Miller Peck; brothers, James Peck (Patty) and William Peck (Jacquline); brothers-in-law, Jeffrey S. Miller (Carroll Ann), Joseph M. Miller (Sally); sister-in-law, Margaret Miller; bonus daughter, Sarah Mooney (Chris); special friend Susan Rowland and her children; and a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and grand dogs, Dutchess and Bentley.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth “Quay” Peck.
The family will receive friends from 5pm until 7pm, Friday, May 1, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A funeral will be held at 11am, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Grace Ridge in the Ervin Room. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Flowers may be sent to Sossoman Funeral Home or memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity or to Amorem Hospice in honor of Dick.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Britt, Lily and Cheslea from hospice and the nursing staff at Grace Ridge for their care.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Mandy, Prayers for you and your family. Your Dad was a wonderful person in so many ways. I loved working with him throughout the years. He was a top notch administrator. I know how much you loved him, but oh how he loved you. Thinking of you with love and prayers.
Amanda, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your Dad. I have always had a special place in my heart for him. He gave me my first classroom in 1988 at Mountain View Elementary. He was a sincere, kind man and a true professional educator. May you feel God’s comfort and peace during the coming days. Carla Jeffries
Dr Peck was such a wonderful person. I worked for him at Mull Elementary for many years. He was such a great boss and he had such a good sense of humor. He actually made morning car duty with me fun all those years! I will always think of him when it snows because he pretended to hate it and we teased him about it, but we knew he secretly loved it. He was one of the best bosses I have ever had because he was good and kind to everyone. He will be missed in this world, but welcomed with wide open arms in heaven. Mandy, I will be praying for you. ❤️