Alan Charles Peterson Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Dr. Alan Charles Peterson, Jr., 75, of Columbia, South Carolina. He left this world peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family.

Born on December 29, 1950, in Youngstown, Ohio, Alan was the son of Alan Charles Peterson, Sr. and Patricia Ann Peterson. He was the eldest of five children. He attended Stetson University and later fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician, earning his medical degree from UTESA in the Dominican Republic. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of South Carolina/Richland Memorial Hospital in 1993 and co-founded Peterson & Plante Internal Medicine Associates following graduation. In 2016, the practice became Lexington Internists, where he continued to serve as the medical director until 2026. He was known to his patients as a compassionate listener and source of comfort, providing empathetic care and hope.

Prior to launching his medical career, he was a pianist, lead singer, and songwriter in a rock band he co-founded named Shanti. Throughout his life, he was often found sitting at the piano.

As a man of many endeavors, he opened a fine dining restaurant, Mirage Chop & Fin, from 2006 to 2010, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The restaurant won The State newspaper's readers' choice award for "Best New Restaurant" in 2009.

Above all, Alan was a dedicated and loving family man. He married the love of his life, Miriam Peterson, on April 30, 1978, and together they shared 48 years of unwavering partnership, laughter, and devotion. As a father, he was a guiding light, a constant source of support, and a role model to his children, Alan Charles Peterson III, Andrea Michelle Peterson, and Aaron Michael Peterson, Sr.

He will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, quick-witted humor, and love of learning. As an avid traveler, he found immense joy in exploring every corner of God's creation with his family.

Alan is survived by his loving wife, Miriam; his children, Alan III; Andrea and her husband, Lee Hewett; and Aaron Sr. and his wife, Lauren Peterson; his grandchildren, Aaron Michael Peterson II, Leif Daniel Hewett, Charlotte James Peterson, and Noah Ryder Peterson; his mother, Patricia; his siblings, Kristen Perdue, Connie Neely, Bruce Peterson, and Kara Schellenberg; and a large, loving extended family and circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Sr.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Shives Funeral Home, located at 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, SC 29223. A celebration of Alan's life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Northeast Presbyterian Church, located at 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. An additional visitation will be held starting at noon prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to St. Joseph's Indian School, The Fundamental Baptist Mission to India, and Oliver Gospel Mission. https://link.edgepilot.com/x/EShGneJ4nZaa9z03-6ROTys?u=https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/141736619 

Thus saith the Lord, "Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls."

Jeremiah 6:16