Julian Thomas Peele

Julian Thomas Peele, 87, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in Morehead City, North Carolina with his family by his side. Born on April 11, 1938, in Martin County, North Carolina, Julian lived a life marked by entrepreneurial spirit, deep family ties, and steadfast dedication to his work.

Julian was the beloved husband of Margaret Olivia Estes Peele, with whom he shared sixty-six blessed years of marriage. Julian proudly proclaimed to all he knew that “he was the luckiest man in the world because of Olivia.” Together they built a life rooted in mutual respect, shared ambition, unequaled collaboration, and worldwide travel. His impressive legacy will be continued by his son, Brian Peele and his wife Shannon of Hubert, NC; his two grandsons Christopher Peele and wife Chelsea of Greensboro, NC, and Tom Peele of Hampstead, NC; and the lights of his later years, his two great-granddaughters, Margaret Olivia and Hattie Elizabeth Peele of Greensboro, NC. He will also be remembered through his siblings: brother Edward Peele of Jacksonville, NC; brother Donald Peele (Cathy) of Hillsborough, NC; sister Grace Davenport (Paul) of Provo, UT; sister-in-law Sharon Peele of Jacksonville, NC; six nieces, and their respective families. Sister-in-law Betty Vance Estes Arnold, of Franklinton, NC, along with her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Deirdre Arnold, of Chapel Hill, NC each held a special and dear place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father Julian Clarence Peele, his mother Effie Estelle Bland Peele, his brother Alton Peele, and his parents-in-law, Vance Clarence Estes and Margaret Louise Jenkins Estes.

Julian’s professional journey was nothing short of remarkable. Starting at the age of eight, Julian began his resilient work history by selling newspapers at Camp Lejeune. A fierce and consummate businessman with an ambitious drive that spanned nearly seven decades, he left an indelible mark on the business landscape across Carteret, Onslow, and New Hanover Counties. His ventures included Performance Motors, Peele Homes, Olympic Homes, Town and Country Homes, Atlantic Homes, The Trailer Market, Olivia E. Peele Art and Antiques, and Peele Design Associates. Each enterprise reflected Julian’s keen eye for opportunity and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Never fearing risk, his entrepreneurial success was matched only by the pride he took in building businesses that served his community while providing for those he loved. Whether investing in beachfront properties, selling homes, or curating antiques alongside his dedicated wife and partner, Olivia, Julian approached every endeavor with passion, purpose, and precision.

Julian Thomas Peele will be remembered not only for his astute business acumen but also for the chiseled strength of character that guided him through a long life. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. Services will be private.