Thomas R. Pepper Jr., veteran, DuPont retiree

Thomas R. Pepper Jr., 93, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan.15, 2025, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus, following a brief illness.

Thomas was born in Lewes, son of the late Thomas R. Pepper Sr. and Laura E. (Wilson) Pepper. He was a lifelong resident of Gravel Hill.

Jr. was a graduate of Georgetown High School Class of 1949. After graduation, he worked for the USDA as a dairy tester at local dairy farms until he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean War. While in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Iceland at Keflavik Air Base. After his honorable discharge as private first class, he returned to the U.S. and worked as a vending machine repairman for Diamond Vending. After several years with Diamond Vending, he began his 33-year career as an electrician with the DuPont Seaford Nylon Plant.

After retirement, he enjoyed catching up with classmates and his DuPont retiree friends at monthly breakfasts or lunches. He thoroughly enjoyed time spent enjoying a good meal and a piece of cherry pie, especially with his friends at the M&H Restaurant in Milton. Jr. also loved being outdoors hunting and fishing.

As a child and throughout his young adult life, he and his family were members of Harbeson UM Church. He then attended and was active for many years at Grace Church in Milton.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth L. (LeGates) Pepper (2013); a sister, Bessie Wilson, and her husband Elwood; and a nephew, Steven Houston.

He is survived by his two sons, Thomas R. Pepper III (Kelly) and William N. Pepper (Amy); two grandchildren, Thomas B. Pepper and Amelia E. Pepper; several nephews, one niece, and their families.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where a time of visitation will begin at noon. Burial will follow at Harbeson Cemetery.

Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.