Peter OakGreenvillePeter Paul Oak, Jr. died peacefully of Alzheimers at Rolling Green Village on July 8. The son of the late Elizabeth Gates and Peter Paul Oak of Monroe, Michigan, Peter was born on July 4, 1931. He graduated from the School of Architecture and Design at the
University of Michigan. After college, he served in the U.S. Army and later began a career in New York City in the advertising business in the era of Mad Men. Working as a radio and television producer, Peter eventually moved to Puerto Rico to work for Publicidad Badillo, an affiliate of Compton Advertising, NYC. From there, he was recruited to Henderson Advertising in Greenville. In 1974, Governor West awarded Peter the Order of the Palmetto for his work with South Carolina Educational TV. After many years in advertising, Peter became a full time interior designer working on many fine homes and businesses. His hobby was buying and selling antiques. He was a Palmetto Gentleman, a long time member of the Poinsett Club and John Knox Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his loving wife Barbara, two daughters Elizabeth McCallister (Jeff) of Virginia Beach, VA and Emily Kowalski (Tim) of Charlotte, NC, two grandsons Gates and Elliot McCallister. He was predeceased by five sisters and is survived by sister-in-law Nancy Davis and her husband Bob of Lower Gwynedd, PA. plus numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. His family and friends will remember him for his creativity and kindness. He loved making things beautiful and was an excellent cook and celebrated host. The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Place for their love and care of Peter. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 3pm at John Knox Presbyterian. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3pm before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the , 301 University Ridge, #5850, Greenville, 29601.
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