Rodney Peterson, 80, of Big Spring, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 29, 2011, in an Odessa hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rick Cunningham, minister of 14th and Main Church of Christ, officiating. Graveside services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, August 1, 2011, Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.He was born on July 1, 1931, in Nacogdoches, Texas and married Mary Ruth Niblett on February 13, 1954 in Lovington, New Mexico.Rodney was raised in Jefferson, Texas. He joined the United States Army in 1948 and served with C Company, 73rd Tank Battalion in Korea. He was discharged in 1954. He worked for Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Lamesa for many years and was currently working for West Texas Gas in Big Spring.Rodney enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an avid wrestling fan and loved doting on his daughters and grandchildren.Survivors include his wife, Mary Ruth Peterson of Big Spring; three daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Mike McGrievy and Jill and Johnny Reed all of Big Spring, and Kim and Rusty Merket of Hermleigh; two sisters, Dorothy Adams of Rusk and Earlene Haddad of Jefferson; three grandchildren, Stacia Coleman and husband, Chad of Big Spring, Jarrod Reed and girlfriend, Jessica Riddle of Blanket and Kendra Merket of Hermleigh; two great-grandchildren, Mia Coleman and Trenten Merket; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Lula Peterson; three sisters, Louise Peterson, Lillian Sisson and Mamie Parsons; and one brother, Frederick Peterson.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,