Peter Reeves Van Ness

Peter Reeves Van Ness, age 79, of Athens passed away on July 9, 2018.

Peter was born in Fort Wayne Indiana to Bill and Marjorie Van Ness on January 2, 1939.  Peter graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1960 and served in the Navy until 1965.  He married Gisela Meyer in 1962.  Peter received his MBA from the University of Florida in 1966. 

During his life he lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Naples, Italy; Key West, Florida; Gainesville, Florida; Rochester, New York; Morristown, Tennessee; Bradenton, Florida; Augusta, Georgia; and Athens, Tennessee (since 1978).  Peter also had a house on Watts Bar Lake where he loved to spend the summer sailing and powerboating.  Peter liked to travel and traveled extensively, especially on rivers in Europe. 

Peter will always be remembered for the love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren.  He was a wonderful father who was always willing to help anyone.  In retirement he enjoyed spending time at the senior center helping people prepare their federal tax returns.

He was proceeded in death by his father (Bill) and mother (Marjorie).  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gisela Meyer Van Ness; children Robert Van Ness and Jennifer Van Ness (Rentenbach); brother Bob Van Ness; and grandchildren Morgan and Peter Van Ness.