Obituary of Albert Bryce Peek

Albert Bryce Peek Sr was born on November 30, 1951 to Eugene Goodbred Peek Jr and Virginia Hall Bugg. Albert ran into the arms of his Savior on October 27, 2023 surrounded by his children and the love of his life, Marilyn. He was no stranger to adversity and fought both Multiple Myeloma and Glioblastoma in his final years. Few people could shine as brightly and exude positivity in the face of troubles like Albert.

He was born the youngest of four boys (Gene, Tommy and David Peek) and raised in Ocala, FL. His love for his community was instilled at an early age. His father and grandfather, both respected physicians, instilled in him the value of community service. After graduating from Ocala High School in 1969, Albert joined the University of Florida as a collegiate swimmer. It was during these years that a life-long bond was born with his swim team. This group of men would remain a steadfast foundation in his life for decades to come.  A passionate Gator fan, Albert was a regular at home Gator football and basketball games, embodying the deep-rooted Peek family’s Orange and Blue spirit.

Albert graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Real Estate Finance and Urban Planning during a significant recession. His early jobs included pumping gas and working as a mechanic’s assistant. His father humorously remarked that Albert could have pumped gas even without a college degree. However, Albert’s career trajectory soon shifted, encompassing various facets of Real Estate. He founded an appraisal company, the real estate brokerage firm Ocala Development, and several investment companies. He was known for his integrity and formed many meaningful partnerships in the business community. He took pride in continuing to make Ocala a great place to live, work and play. Some of his notable endeavors include the Country Club of Ocala and other residential and commercial developments. He served on many boards including the YMCA, Rotary Club of Metropolitan Ocala, UF Letterman’s Association Board, Ocala Airport Advisory Board, Downtown Development Council, Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Ocala Board of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He served on Advisory Boards for multiple banks and was a founding board member of Gateway Bank of Central Florida.

In 1980, a blind date in Atlanta, GA, introduced Albert to Marilyn Jane Jones, the love of his life and wife of more than forty years. The couple settled in Ocala, where they raised their three children: Audrey, Bryce and Lex. Undoubtedly, the most important relationship in Albert’s life was his with Jesus. He lived out that relationship daily and made a point to make a difference in someone’s life each and every day. His unwavering faith during his medical battles served as a beacon of hope to many. He greeted each day as a new opportunity and made the habit of exclaiming, “Good Morning, World!” for all to hear.

A seeker of adventure, Albert had many hobbies. He was happiest in the air or on the water. His love for aviation, boating, scuba diving and travel was the cornerstone for most family memories. His spirit for adventure will live on through his family and friends who share many of the same passions.

Albert is survived by his wife, Marilyn Peek; children, Audrey Peek McGuinness (Darren), Albert “Bryce” Peek Jr (Samantha Hall), and Alexander “Lex” Harris Peek; brothers, Gene (Kathie), Tommy (Lynda) and David (Cheryl) Peek; and grandchildren Kylee, Ryan and Landon Boyles, Harper McGuinness and Albert Bryce Peek III.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to HUGS Charities or Hospice of Marion County.

Reflecting on his legacy, Albert once said, “When I came into this world, I didn’t have anything with me, but I had a good name. I had my father’s name. The only thing that I can really pass on to my sons and daughter is that very same thing, a good name. And in my years of living on this earth, if I can do one tenth of what my father and my mother did for that name, I’ve been a success in this life.”  (Excerpt from “The View” April 1991).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Meadowbrook Church on November 6, 2023 at 1pm. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Homes, Ocala, Florida.