Lester Peek Luffman

Lester Peek Luffman, 87, the cornerstone of his family’s foundation and the fourth generation from his family to live in Marion County, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 27, 2015.  Lester graduated from Ocala High School where he played football and was a member of FFA.  Upon graduation, he met and married his “Georgia peach,” Margaret Mann, and together they began a true love story based on their faith in Jesus Christ, which encompassed over 67 years.  He began a career with Sears working in the warehouse and retired 37 years later as Customer Service Manager.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ocala.  His love of God was reflected in over 60 years of service singing in the choir and serving as a deacon at First Baptist and Oak-Griner.  Lester loved Christian and classical music, traveling, reading, his tractor, and working and hunting on his property in Abbeville, Georgia.  He will be remembered by his family for his unconditional love for them;  his vast knowledge of history, family heritage, and “Old” Ocala; his talent for creating and maintaining a beautifully landscaped yard; his intelligence and wisdom; his magnificent bass voice, and most importantly, his Godly leadership.   Lester was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Griggs Luffman, his father, James Leland Luffman, and his beloved first-born grandchild, Lance Baxley (Vanessa, surviving wife).  He is survived by the love of his life, Margaret Luffman,  children: Linda (Larry) Ballard, Janis (Lew) Petteway, Tommy (Donna) Luffman,  grandchildren: Chad, Zac (Jennifer), Brad, Jake (Angie), and Lindy (Marc),  great-grandchildren: Kylee, Blaine, Halle, Hayden, Shelby, Aliya, Ashlyn, and Annalise, brother, Elden (Joyce) Luffman, and sisters, Virginia Williams and Nita Wohlgemuth.  Funeral services for Mr. Luffman will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 2, 2015, at First Baptist Church, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, with Dr. Darren Gaddis and Chaplain Elden Luffman officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Anthony Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church Ocala. Arrangements under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, 19939 E. Pennsylvania Avenue,  Dunnellon.