Horace Ernest Christian, Sr.

Horace Ernest Christian, 91, of Chesapeake, Virginia, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on June 7, 1933, the son of Estelle Christian-Baker and Stepfather Andrew Baker. Horace grew up with a passion for life and playing tennis. He attended Armstrong High School and later served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, Horace pursued higher education at Hampton University for two years. After that, he moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for the government for several years. Later, he moved to New York, where he worked in the U.S. Post Office in Mt. Vernon, NY, for 25 years. Also known as “Sawmill Pete,” Horace’s career at the post office spanned decades, where he served as a mail handler, master forklift driver, and eventually as the Director of Human Relations for the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), where he left a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Horace married the love of his life, Peggy Shamley Christian, in 1964 in New York. Their union was a beautiful testament to devotion, laughter, and the joy of building a life together. They have one son, Horace “Chris” Christian, Jr., from this union, who was born in 1969. After retirement, Horace and Peggy relocated to Chesapeake, Virginia, where they embraced a quieter life but remained deeply connected to their huge circle of friends and family. Horace was a passionate lover of Jazz music, and his warmth and sense of humor were infectious. He never missed an opportunity to brighten someone’s day with a laugh and some heartfelt encouragement. Horace accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 2013 at the age of 80.

He was preceded in death by his first son, Alfred Miles Thompson. Horace leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 60 years, Peggy Shamley-Christian; his son, Horace “Chris” Christian Jr.; his granddaughter, Tiffany Thompson-Jackson (from his son Alfred); his nieces Charlene Christian-Andrews, Annette Christian-Ross; cousin Jason Christian, and a multitude of family, friends, co-workers, and all the people he inspired and made laugh over the years.

The family kindly requests that, instead of flowers, you consider sending potted plants. These plants will continue to grow and flourish, just as Horace’s spirit will in our hearts.

With his unshakable optimism, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. His legacy of kindness, resilience, and laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Just like Horace spoke to so many people over the years, we say his most favorite line back to him, “We Love You Madly.”