IN LOVING MEMORY OF

EARL BLACKSHEAR PECK JR.

Earl Blackshear Peck Jr., born on November 16, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, entered eternal rest after a life filled with love, service, and unwavering dedication to family and country. He was the beloved son of the late Eleanor Louise Peck and Earl Blackshear Peck Sr.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Earl began his education in the Nordonia Hills School System, attending Lee Eaton Elementary for his kindergarten and grade‑school years. He later continued his studies in the Cleveland Heights School System before completing his education in the Shaker Heights Public School System. During his time at Shaker, Earl formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed a vibrant and memorable adolescence.

A gifted student, Earl excelled academically—especially in mathematics and Latin. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School on June 9, 1983.

Industrious and ambitious from a young age, Earl’s first job was delivering newspapers for the Cleveland Press alongside his younger brother, Anthony Peck. He later worked as a sales associate for Sears Roebuck in Parma Towne Mall and for Oak Tree in Randall Park Mall.

CAREER AND MILITARY SERVICE

Earl’s natural talent for sales led him to Triple AAA, where he sold memberships and quickly became a top performer. His passion for excellence and competitive spirit made him stand out in every workplace.

In 1986, Earl enlisted in the United States Navy. He served multiple tours of duty, including active service during the Persian Gulf War, where he survived several encounters with enemy fire. He served aboard the USS Tripoli, a ship vital to military operations and capable of transporting and launching aircraft, including Marine battalion landing teams and helicopters.

During his distinguished military career, Earl earned numerous medals and ribbons, including:

– The Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal

– NATO Medal

– Expert Pistol Shot Medal

– Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

– Southwest Asia Service Medal

While serving, Earl attended Law Enforcement School, completing the program in December 1991. He went on to serve as a Security Guard for the U.S. Navy, performing duties similar to military police—guarding installations, conducting patrols, and maintaining physical security.

Earl was honorably discharged in September 1998 with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (PO2), paygrade E‑5.

FAMILY LIFE

During his first enlistment, Earl met and married Yevonne Gaines on April 18, 1986. Through this union, he was blessed with a stepdaughter, La’Kia Gaines, and together they welcomed their son, Jamaal Peck. Earl was later blessed with another daughter, Bianca Dennis Peck, with the late Debbie Dennis.

LATER CAREER AND INTERESTS

After returning to Cleveland, Earl resumed his career in sales, joining Verizon Cellular Co. His exceptional work ethic and leadership earned him a promotion to Sales Manager of his own store. Earl received numerous awards for top salesperson and top‑performing store, driven by his fierce competitive spirit and ability to inspire those around him.

Following his time at Verizon, Earl served as a Corrections Officer for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, retiring in 2025.

Earl’s favorite color was blue. He loved music, dancing, and cheering for Cleveland sports teams. He enjoyed movies, classic TV comedies, and spending time with loved ones.

HOBBIES AND PERSONALITY

Earl loved cooking and hosting family gatherings, especially barbeque cookouts. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and baseball. He played in the Tris Speaker Baseball League in Cleveland Heights, the Shaker League in Shaker Heights, and for Mr. Cessi’s traveling baseball team—excelling in every league. He also played recreational basketball in high school.

Earl had a passion for luxury cars, stylish clothing, and jewelry. As he grew older, he embraced comfort—often seen in basketball shorts, white tees, caps, sunglasses, and watches.

Earl was sweet, loving, and generous. He ended every conversation with “I love you,” no matter the circumstances. His humor, bright smile, and natural wit made him unforgettable. Known among classmates as one of the best “rankers,” Earl could make anyone laugh. He adored his family and took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Young at heart, he connected effortlessly with people of all ages and was truly the life of every gathering.

LEGACY

Earl worked tirelessly throughout his life, often taking double shifts and overtime. He believed in helping others, living joyfully, and sharing his radiant smile with everyone he met.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory are:

– Stepdaughter La’Kia Gaines of Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

– Son Jamaal Peck (Shaniqua) of Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

– Daughter Bianca Dennis Peck (Mynesha) of Herndon, VA

– Sister Denise Saunders (Bernard Porter) of South Euclid, OH

– Brothers Anthony Peck (Valerie) of Wickliffe, OH; Christopher Peck (Fonstend) of Shallotte, NC; and Spurgeon Peck (Abraham) of Alliance, OH

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Londyn Dennis of Herndon, VA, and Dayon Brooks of Omaha, NE, along with a host of loving nephews, cousins, relatives, and countless friends.