Dr. Peter Whitehead

DR. PETER WHITEHEAD Eads, Tenn. - Peter Yates Whitehead, M.D., 53, loving husband and father passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, after a courageous one year battle with cancer. Peter was born June 8, 1961, in Tupelo, Mississippi to Jaudon "J.C." Whitehead, Jr. and Mary Yates Whitehead. With his parent's strong influence and Peter's unfaltering ambition, he developed an inspiring and dedicated work ethic, driving him to achieve excellence in all that he did. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the rank of Eagle Scout and the God and Country Award through Troop 12 and First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1979, where he was a member of the Golden Wave Tennis Team, and continued his education at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. Peter served as president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. Upon graduation, he continued his studies and he received his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He served his residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He began his pediatric medical career with Physicians to Children in Roanoke, VA, before moving to Memphis in 2004 and joining Memphis Children's Clinic. Peter had a servant's heart and his compassion for others took him on mission trips to India with Grandin Court Baptist Church in Roanoke and to Haiti through Project Starfish Haiti, a non-profit medical mission organization. Peter's most cherished moments were spent with his wife and family. He loved watching and supporting his children in all their academic and athletic endeavors. Peter also enjoyed outdoor activities, including gardening, sailing and scuba diving. His desire and love for the outdoors led him to spend much time working and enjoying his family tree farm. His ability to love and care for every living creature, combined with his aptitude for healing, is something to be admired and never forgotten. Peter is survived by his wife of 23 years, Heather Doolin Whitehead of Eads, TN, his three children, Caleb Yates , Avery Brooks and Abigail "Abbi" Grace, his brother Don Whitehead (Suzanne), his sister Susan Whitehead Boston (John), his nieces and nephews Justin Whitehead (Jun), Amanda Afdahl (Mike), Brandon Whitehead, Ansley Beatty (Steven), Briana Whitehead, Mary Frances Boston, John Boston, Lizzie Boston, Connor Doolin, Ryan Doolin, Tim Doolin, Jr. and Megan Doolin. His parents, Mary and J.C. Whitehead preceded him in death. A service celebrating his life will be held in Memphis on January 20, 2015 in the South Hall of Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN with Dr. Kevin Meadows officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the service to follow. An additional service celebrating his life will be in Tupelo, MS on January 21, 2015 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Kevin Meadows officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Gathering Room at the church with the service to follow. Private graveside services will follow at Dry Creek Farm in Tremont, MS. Memorials may be made to Project Starfish Haiti, 217 Hardwood Court, Hardy, VA 24101. For more information visit www.projectstarfishhaiti.net . Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .