Peter James Speropulos, Jr

Peter James Speropulos, Jr. went to be with Jesus on Friday, May 29th, 2026 just three days shy of his 92nd birthday. 

Peter was born June 2, 1934 and was a proud Johnson City native, having lived here his whole life apart from his years at Castle Heights Military Academy which he attended for middle/high school in Lebanon, TN. While there, he received his private pilot's license which he went on to use as a member of the Civil Air Patrol flying numerous search missions in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. 

In 1955, he married the love of his life, Sylvia Wilson Speropulos, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years with until her passing. They enjoyed traveling the world together, serving their community together, and building a legacy strong in their faith and love of family. 

Peter was also preceded in death by his father, Peter James Speropulos, Sr. and mother, Mabel Speropulos, as well as his brother James Speropulos (Virginia) and daughter-in-law Amy Speropulos. 

He is survived by his four children, Peter James Speropulos, III (Gina), Kathy Gray (Paul), Lisa Flippin (Keith), and John Speropulos (Karen). Also by his eight grandchildren, Peter James Speropulos, IV (Jess), Nicholas Speropulos, Kathryn Calvert (Zac), Caroline Schneider (Nelson), Hannah Mortimer (Alexander), Abigail Gray, Olivia Speropulos, and Maxwell Speropulos plus 8 great-grandchildren who all lovingly called him Papoo. 

Peter spent over 50 years in the insurance and estate planning business holding several leadership roles within the industry including becoming President of the Tennessee Life Underwriters Association. He advised many clients and friends well into his eighties as he truly loved helping others whether in business or the community.

He joined the Gideons as a young man and served them faithfully as member for over 60 years. He was President of his local chapter and went on to serve as the State President for Tennessee. He loved traveling locally, nationally and even internationally to Africa distributing the word of God to others. 

He was an active member of Central Baptist Church for the majority of his life serving as a deacon and a member of the William Rigell Sunday School Class. 

He also served on many local boards and committees which included being the founding President of the Johnson City Medical Center Foundation where he worked alongside his friend, John Seward, to raise enough money to build a cancer center for the Tri-Cities. He also helped fundraise for the development of the Johnson City Senior Center and served on the board for the Northeast State Community College Foundation. 

He enjoyed the final six years of his life at Everlan Independent Living where he developed many wonderful relationships with the residents and staff. He was also very grateful for the care he received in his final days from the nurses at JCMC and Providence Companion Care as well as from Dr. Keith Cook. 

The family will receive friends at 12:30 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Central Baptist Church, with a Celebration of Life service following at 2 PM. A private family burial is planned. 

Pallbearers will be Zachary Calvert, Gary Ganey, Alexander Mortimer, Nelson Schneider, Maxwell Speropulos, Nicholas Speropulos, Peter Speropulos, IV, and Porter Wilson. 

Because Peter was so passionate about getting the Word of God into the hands of others, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Gideons International for Bible placement, in lieu of flowers.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is honored to serve the Speropulos family. (423) 282-1521