Sterling Tappan Peterson Obituary

On Thursday, February 6, 2020 Sterling Tappan Peterson, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 41.
Tappan was born on July 12, 1978 to John Stephen Peterson and Anna Maria Garrison in Douglasville, GA. He was immediately diagnosed with Spina Bifida with Hydrocephalous and given a life expectancy of two years. He received a degree in Computer Aided Drafting from The College of Coastal Georgia, and went on to teach himself Computer Animation.
Tappan walked in braces for the first ten years of his life and used a wheelchair for the last thirty-one years. He rejected the term “disabled” and instead opted for “inconvenienced”. He loved meeting people and experiencing life. He drove his car with hand controls, rode horses and even an elephant. He Parasailed, and skied the Paralympic Course (Black Diamonds and Back Bowls!) in Vail, Co. He was interested in wood carving and painting. He was known to be a kind, compassionate and witty man.
Tappan is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandfather, J. S. Garrison; Maternal Aunt, Lellie Garrison Rheney, and her unborn Son William Joel Rheney; Paternal Grandparents, Harry and Margaret (“Peggy”) O’Neil Peterson. He is survived by his Father, John Peterson, Mother, Anna Garrison, Aunt, Gail Peterson, Uncle, Harry Peterson, Brother, Ben Ransom and Sister, Peggy Peterson, and Maternal Grandmother, Mary Tappan Garrison.
A memorial service will be held on February 29, 2020 at Christ Church, Frederica, 6329 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA at 3 pm. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please remember Tappan with an act of kindness toward another person.