Archer Whitley Peden Sr., 87, husband of the late Lucille Ritter Peden, passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital in Suffolk, with his loving family by his side.

Born August 4, 1917, was the son of the late James F. Peden and Josephine Wells Peden.

Archer was a farmer,

had retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation where he worked as a foreman, and was a member of the Millfield Baptist Church, Ivor.

He was known as an avid gardener who shared his crops with friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by two daughters, Lennie Lee Peden and Della Mae P. Clark; and two sons, Andrew Lee Peden and Archer W. Peden, Jr.

Archer is survived by two sons, Willard L. Peden and wife, Iris, Roger Dean Peden and wife, Betty, all of Smithfield; eight grandchildren, John, Amelia, James, Tracey, Sharon, Kristin, Shirley Mae and Patricia; thirteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Benny Peden of Smithfield, and Marshall Peden of Colonial Heights;

sister, Josephine P. Ritter of Suffolk, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, with the Rev. Dale Shively officiating.

Interment will follow in Ivor Cemetery, Ivor, VA.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ivor Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 228, Ivor, VA

23866.