Former Commissioner, Nathan Peters. Jr. passed away on October 8, 2024 due to health complications. Nathan Jr. was the son and eighth child of Nathan Peters Sr. and Mary McNair Peters, as well as the nephew of Damon Peters, Sr. and cousin to Damon Peters, Jr. They were all community leaders and business owners in North Port St. Joe. Nathan Jr. was a 1967 graduate of Washington High School.

Nathan Peters Jr. worked tirelessly to live up to the legacies of his father, Nathan Sr. and Uncle, Damon Sr. He was first elected as a Gulf County Commissioner in 1985. During his 24 years of continuous Commissioner service, Nathan Jr. worked collaboratively with other county officials that ensured upgrades across Gulf County. He executed initiatives to help Gulf County communities overcome public health and employment challenges as well as to maintain good governance. Nathan Peters Jr. was the first African American to Chair the Gulf County Board of Commissioners. Peters served on the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors in 1993 and 1994. In June 2000, he achieved graduate status from the Florida Counties Foundation County Commissioners Voluntary Certification¨ Program.

Nathan Peters Jr.’s public service record demonstrates many selfless acts and contributions to Gulf County. His public service record will long be remembered by the citizens of Gulf County. As a former Trustee Board Chair, New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Nathan Jr. held a special place in his heart for all members its members. As a servant of affiliated North Port St. Joe churches, he often traveled and drove New Bethel choir members as well as members from other churches to special church events, conferences, and meetings across the Panhandle.

As one roams through North Port St. Joe, there are community landmarks that demonstrate Nathan Jr.’s vision, determination to support, and push forward community advancements, i.e. Nathan Peters Jr. Park, Cozy Cafe, the Washington High School Museum, and new community housing investments by his son, Dr. Nathan Peters III, D.D.S., Atlanta, GA.

He leaves behind loving family members, his beloved city of Port St. Joe, and citizens of Gulf County. There are so many County Officials, groups and individuals who deserve a very special “thank you.” You were always there for Nathan Jr. as a Commissioner and/or to the Peters family. Your individual and groups’ contributions made a positive difference.

On behalf of former Commissioner Nathan Peters Jr., his sons, sisters and brothers, Dr. Lenora Peters Gant, PhD humbly and gratefully extends to the Gulf County community the family’s sincerest thanks. Your generosity and many selfless acts of kindness have made a profound difference; we thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts.