Billy Gene Peterson, 71, of Leachville died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, at his home in Manila. Born at Denton, he was the son of the late John and Opal Turnbow Peterson and had lived most of his life in Holland, Mich., before returning to Northeast Arkansas in 1981. He was the widower of Bertha McDaniel Peterson, a retired employee of Scott Manufacturing in Michigan and a member of the Second Baptist Church in Leachville.

He is survived by a son, David Peterson, of Corbin, Ky.; four daughters, Karen Peterson of Allegan, Mich., Billie Denton of Leachville, Tonya Jeralds and Tammy Holtsclaw, both of Fennville, Mich.; two brothers, Tommy Peterson and J.D. Peterson, both of Fennville, Mich.; two sisters, Mary Walker, of Holland, Mich., and Opal Kathern Parker of Mississippi; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a special friend, Billie Jean Staggs.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryle Peterson, three sisters, Wilma Lee Peterson, Carol Lee Peterson and Maycanzada "Sis" Smith.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Howard Funeral Chapel in Leachville. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors this evening (Tuesday) from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. To sign the online guest register log on to www.howardfuneralservice.com.