Tom Peeples, former Hilton Head Island Mayor dies at 71

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) — Tom Peeples, a former mayor of Hilton Head Island has died at age 71.

Peeples is the first Lowcountry native to lead the Town Of Hilton Head as mayor. He’s the only mayor to serve for more than one term and served a total of 15 years from 1995 to 2010.

“I am truly saddened by the loss of a man who meant so much to the Town of Hilton Head Island,” Mayor Alan Perry said in a statement posted to the Town of Hilton Head’s Facebook page. “Tom Peeples helped lay a foundation for the Island we know and love today. A Lowcountry native who worked tirelessly to make the place he called home better, Tom had a vision for the future of Hilton Head Island. He did everything he could to not just build for that future but also protect the natural environment that makes Hilton Head Island so special. Long before he started in Town government, Peeples was more than just a great Mayor. He was also a lifelong friend and someone whose counsel, advice, and personality have helped shape me as a Mayor and a person. He was truly a local legend and will be missed dearly.”

Before Peeples got into politics, he founded Tom Peeples Builder company, which focused on building homes on Hilton Head.