Victor Scott Peterson

In Loving Memory of Scott Peterson
January 6, 1946 – May 30, 2026

Victor Scott Peterson, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Pisgah Forest, NC, on May 30, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children, and beloved family members.

Born on January 6, 1946, Scott was the first baby delivered by Caesarean section at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. He was the son of Victor Hugo Peterson and Mary Ellen Peterson, both of whom preceded him in death.

Raised in Bryson City, Scott graduated from Swain County High School in 1964. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar, earning a B.A. in Sociology. During his undergraduate years, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a varsity letter in lacrosse during the program’s inaugural season at UNC.

In this time frame, Scott married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Childers, and welcomed their first child, Stacey. He spent a year teaching history and coaching multiple sports at Swain County High School before attending the UNC School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1972.

Following law school, Scott moved to Brevard, NC, where he established a legal practice and welcomed two more children, Britt and Katie. He became involved in the community by participating in the Jaycees and later Rotary International, as well as coaching youth basketball in the Transylvania County church leagues. Remarkably, he continued practicing law actively until the year of his death. As friends and family often joked, his work became increasingly necessary to support his lifelong passion for golf.

Scott’s enthusiasm for golf was legendary. He worked tirelessly to share his love of the game with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends, all of whom have countless stories involving Scott and a golf course. Nothing could keep him from finishing 18 holes. Lightning was merely a suggestion for a pause, and physical aches and even chest pain were simply unnecessary distractions standing between him and the 18th green.

For the last 54 years of his life, Scott was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Brevard. More importantly, from the age of 12, he professed faith in Jesus Christ and sought throughout his life to follow His teachings. He worked harder than many to avoid the hypocrisy that can sometimes accompany religious life, often confessing his many shortcomings. Even more memorable was the way he treated every person he encountered—whether respected and accomplished or burdened by life’s struggles—as someone worthy of his time, attention, and compassion. He was always ready to share one of his many stories, believing there was wisdom, encouragement, or laughter to be found in each one. 

If you spent any time around Scott, you know he was a born storyteller. That is not to say he embellished the truth—truth-telling was nearly as important to him as spinning a good yarn. He loved to chew the fat and share a memorable tale. Whether recounting the latest time he nearly ran out of gas (again), reliving a great sports moment, or reminiscing about an adventure from his younger days, Scott could captivate an audience. Even when his stories interrupted your schedule, you more often than not eventually appreciated the entertainment, encouragement, and humor offered.

Scott is survived by his wife, Carolyn Peterson, of Pisgah Forest; his children and their spouses, Stacey Dombrowski (Michael) of Tucker, Georgia; Britt Peterson (Arlana) of Arden, North Carolina; and Katie May (Andrew) of Fletcher, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Maxine (Alex), Henry, Jacob, Aaron, Bella, Afton, and Isla; his brother, Don Peterson (Leslie) of Weaverville, North Carolina; and his stepmother, Erleen Peterson of Bryson City. He was also dearly loved by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As we celebrate his life, the family invites all who knew and loved Scott to join them for a time of remembrance, fellowship, and storytelling on June 13, 2026, in the fellowship hall within the First Baptist Church of Brevard. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon and reception at approximately 12:00 p.m. If you are able, please RSVP to https://form.jotform.com/ChristopherPeterson712/VSPLunch, but don’t let that stop you from coming!

Guests are encouraged to wear Carolina Blue, the blue or maroon of the Brevard and Swain High Devils, or any attire that helps them feel connected to Scott.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Tee of Western North Carolina (firstteewnc.org), the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ.com), First Baptist Church of Brevard, or, perhaps most fittingly, sharing a story with someone in need of a smile—just as Scott would have wanted.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Victor Scott Peterson, please visit our floral store.