“Former Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters Died December 30 But He Leaves A Strong Legacy” - Remembers County And State Leaders

Editor’s Note: The following Is A Story Based On The Initial Statement By The Leadership Of The Prince George’s County Council. It Has Since Been Updated.

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS

The county suffered a great loss with the passing of former Maryland Senator Douglas J.J. Peters on Dec. 30. He was 60.

The Prince George’s County Council is deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Douglas J.J. Peters, former Maryland State Senator, former County Council Member representing District 4, and former member and Mayor Pro Tem of the Bowie City Council, shared the council leaders in a recent statement.

When asked what he wanted voters to know about him, Peters shared his love and commitment to his family.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his wife, Corinne, their six adult children, and three grandchildren upon the profound loss of their ‘hero.’ We cannot imagine your grief,” shared newly elected Prince George’s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey.

“I am heartbroken over the passing of our beloved Sen. Doug Peters,” says District 4 council member Ingrid Watson. “He was highly respected and greatly admired throughout District 4, Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. Doug was a friend, a mentor and a trusted advisor. His love for the community was unmatched by his love for his wife and his family. Please keep his wife Corinne, children and grandchildren in your prayers.”

“Doug Peters exemplified grace in leadership, dedication to purpose and a rare touch of humility in the way he approached accomplishing things,” says Prince George’s Suite Magazine & Media Publisher Raoul Dennis. “We covered his contributions and initiatives, but It was truly an honor to know him, meet his family and work with him on other projects he planned. Literally, our lives are all better in the county because he was here.”

A United States Army Reserve Captain, Doug Peters served in Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for acts of valor in combat. Elected to serve at the city, county and state levels of government, he was also a visionary whose leadership and meaningful public service as a lawmaker rendered tangible results for our community. His very life defined service.

“Doug Peters was more than a businessman and a public servant,” says Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable Founder, President and CEO Jim Estepp of Peters’ Bronze Star for heroism in Operation Desert Storm. “His loss will be felt by us all, but his many legislative impacts will continue to aid businesses and families long into the future.”

As a Prince George’s County Council Member committed to education and student achievement for constituents in District 4 and across the County, he obtained funding for the new Northview Elementary School, renovations and upgrades to reopen Whitehall Elementary, Samuel Ogle Middle School, and the Belair Annex as well as renovations at Bowie High School.

Arguably one of the most notable of Douglas’ accomplishments includes securing seed funding for the development of Liberty Sports Park, the $18 million sports complex that includes 10 state of the art outdoor fields. The complex, which opened in 2022, is projected to redefine destination options for national sports competition along the east coast of the United States.

Tom Graham, Retired Pepco Region President and Chairman of the Green Branch Foundation knew Doug Peters for 20 years “when we first met on the County Council,” he says. Peters passed the baton for shaping Liberty Sports Park by bringing the former PEPCO executive and former professional soccer athlete in at the Green Branch Foundation.

“I will remember Doug as a committed and authentic public servant, veteran, family man, youth sports enthusiast, business advocate but mostly as my friend. Without Doug, Liberty Sports Park located in the heart of Prince George's County would not exist. It was my honor to execute on this vision for him,” Graham says.

Additionally, he secured the initial funding for a new Bowie Fire House and the South Bowie Library. His legacy also includes the Bowie Performing Arts Center, Bowie Senior Center and Bowie Gymnasium, tireless advocacy for youth, safe communities, economic growth and development, and budget and fiscal matters in Prince George’s County.

Gifted with a unique business acumen, the former state senator worked hard to build the capacity of the county’s business community, leading both the Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce and the Prince George's County Board of Trade.

A lifelong county resident with a vested interest in residents’ quality of life, Peters served the Prince George’s Literacy Council as a volunteer reading tutor; the Boys & Girls Clubs as a football referee; and he was a member of the Mitchellville School of Fine Arts board.

Peters’ work and efforts touched the lives of numerous Maryland leaders --- including his successor Maryland Senator Ron L. Watson. Watson expressed personal thoughts about the Peters’ loss.

“Senator Peters was more than my predecessor,” Watson says. “He was a friend, teacher and mentor who, through his support, encouragement, and guidance, has left an indelible mark on me, and changed the arc of my life. His legacy is embedded in the fabric of our community and his contributions will not be forgotten.”

Guided by his deep and abiding faith, these words from Pope Francis are reflective of Peters’ service. “Dear friends, look at the real heroes who come to light in these days; they are those who are giving themselves in order to serve others.”

Senator Peters' love of our county and our country has been an inspiration for all Marylanders,” Estepp says.

May his life and enduring legacy continue to be a blessing to us all, and a comfort to his wife and family.