Billy Derris Peterson

Billy Derris Peterson, passed away peacefully in his South Salt Lake, Utah home on November 28, 2024, at the age of 85. Billy was born on February 26th, 1939, to Erastus Peterson and Cecil Delma Keel in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Billy (Pete) was a hard worker. He began helping at the fish hatchery where his father worked at a young age and loved spending that time with his dad. Billy had a strong bond with his big sister Cleo and shared many fond memories of their times together. They both loved the outdoors where he continued to share that connection to nature with his family. He attended Granite High School and later served honorably in the U.S Army. It was in the Army that he was given his nickname Pete and where he made many lifelong Friends. After returning from the Army, Billy met and married the love of his life Ann Marie and from that point on they were seldom separated. He often referred to her as his better half and took her everywhere he could to show her off. In his final days he repeatedly asked family to take care of his honey. Billy was a Master Mechanic & Welder. There was nothing he couldn't fix. When he couldn’t find a part he needed, he would make it himself. He once built an entire engine in his mother’s basement. His career spanned over 30 years working his craft at many locations throughout the valley such as Gibbons & Reed, Kennecott, Interstate 215 and Starvation Reservoir to name a few.

Billy was proud of his ability to restore vintage cars, and he loved to share his knowledge with his children and later, his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his family where they took many improv trips with no notice at all. He enjoyed singing around the campfire, camping, fishing and hunting with his sons. Later in life he enjoyed working in his garage restoring vintage cars and trucks, feeding squirrels, and watching Survivor. He loved but could never eat enough cookies and always had a joke to share (we’d like to say they were always clean – but!).

Most of all, he loved his family! 

Billy is survived by his loving wife Ann of 56 years, children Ray (Denise) Magoon, Kathie (Richard) Griffin, Linda (Ken) Smith and Billy JR(Carrie) Peterson, 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Billy is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law & father-in-law, brothers Von Peterson and Gary Leonard Peterson; sisters, Lois Begent, Venice Starr, Ida Tendler and Cleo Womack, nephew Robert Womack and great-grandson Tucker Tuff Andersen.

The family would like to thank everyone for the kind thoughts & prayers they shared with us at this time.

A celebration of life will be held January 4, 2025 from 6 to 8 PM at the Winslow Park Ward 3219 S. 300 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84115 “Thank you for adding a cherished memory or thought, to the link below. Our family would love to know how Billy touched your life.”