WHITE STONE—Retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Peter B. Southmayd was born March 13, 1940, and was reared in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, he and his beloved wife, Libby, moved to White Stone, Virginia.
He died on January 7, 2023, in White Stone.
Col. Southmayd was preceded in death by his sons, Peter B. Southmayd II and Christopher I. Southmayd; and his wife, Elizabeth McMann Southmayd.
He is survived by his brothers, Dick and his wife, Kim, and Dan and his wife, Cynthia.
Col. Southmayd graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in foreign affairs in 1962 and married the love of his life, Elizabeth McMann Southmayd, that same year. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1962 in the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1977 earned his M.Ed. in secondary education from Johns Hopkins University.
During his 27 years of active duty, Col. Southmayd served in a variety of command and staff billets at home and overseas, including two tours in Vietnam. He was privileged and honored to have been able to command and lead Marines at the platoon, company, battalion and brigade levels. His personal decorations included the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1989.
Upon his Marine Corps retirement, Col. Southmayd served at Christchurch School as the assistant dean of admissions and later as the dean of students and faculty. In these capacities he also was a world geography teacher, assistant coach of cross country and JV baseball and was a student advisor from 1989 to 1994.
After retiring from Christchurch School, Col. Southmayd was active in his local community. He served on the Lancaster Community Library board and was board president for one year.
He also served on the local YMCA board, tutored in the middle and primary schools for 20 years and volunteered for Interfaith by collecting and distributing furniture and building ramps for the handicapped. He also volunteered at the Free Health Clinic for 20 years and served on the operating board for four years.
He was also active at Grace Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry twice and was the senior warden for two years. He was also the church pledge secretary for 17 years and served on numerous church committees.
Col. Southmayd was a proud graduate of the University of Virginia and remained an avid alumnus and supporter of their academic programs and athletic teams. GO HOOS!!
A special thanks to Dr. Joe Bessler and his staff and to RGH for the exemplary care provided to Pete.
There will be no memorial service as he is where he wants to be—with Libby and their sons. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a time and date to be announced.
Memorials may be made to the Grace Church Trust, P.O. Box 1059, Kilmarnock, VA 22482; Northern Neck Free Health Clinic, P.O. Box 1694, Kilmarnock, VA 22482; or Christchurch School, 49 Seashore Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031.
