"May the Work I've Done Speak for Me"

Peter Smalls, Jr., affectionately known as "Slim", was born on May 17, 1948, in the Germanville section of McClellanville, South Carolina to his loving parents Peter Smalls, Sr. and Henrietta Robinson Smalls. He departed this life on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at his residence.

Peter entered grade school at the age of five and received his education in the Charleston County Public Schools. He was a 1965 graduate of Lincoln High School, McClellanville, SC. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and served his country well. His tour of duty was in Okinawa, Japan. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army on June 14, 1971. He later enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and received an Honorable Discharge on November 28, 1977.

Peter was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He was a member of Howard African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was a faithful member and worked diligently in many capacities: Trustee, Church School Superintendent, Church School Teacher, Class Leader #5, Choir Member and Usher. Reverend Angela Grant Williams established a pledge initiative, 1-7-365 at Howard for the building fund, and Peter was instrumental in continuing this initiative.

Peter met and married the love of his life and best friend, O. LaVern Manigault on July 1, 1978. He fondly called her L.O. They were united for 52 years – 43 years in marriage and 9 years dating. Their union was blessed with the birth of twin daughters, Kristin and Krystal. They also were blessed with a grandson, Noah Benjamin, who was the love of Peter's life and was known as his "Big Man".

Peter was employed at the Charleston Naval Shipyard as a Machinist and retired on January 31, 1995 after 28 years of dedicated service. He made many valuable contributions to the Machinist Program at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and was awarded by the Department of the Navy Apprenticeship Program which qualified him as a skilled Journeyman Machinist. He successfully completed a course in Small Engine Fundamentals given at Charleston Naval Shipyard by the Department of the Navy. Peter received several awards and recognitions during his tenure at the Shipyard. He was awarded by The Commander of the Charleston Naval Shipyard for his interest and initiative shown in suggesting the utilization of a gauge board. The President of the United States Jimmy Carter recognized him for his innovative ideas for improving operations of the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Peter graduated from the Naval Technical Training Corey Station, Pensacola, Florida, completing a course in Refresher Branch Training. He was certified as a Flame Cutter by the Department of the Navy. After retirement from the Shipyard, Peter was employed at Peddinghaus Corporation of South Carolina as a Machinist and at the Charleston County Recycling Convenience Center where he was awarded for improving the site's safe operation.

Peter was a historian and a recorder. He annually hosted the Black History Program at Howard AME Church for many years. His displays were very unique. He devoted weeks setting up all of his antique collections and herbs he gathered on the nature walk. He will truly be missed for his contributions to Black History Month.

Peter was passionate about his community and gave his service to improve it. He was one of the founders and President of the South Santee/Germantown Volunteer Fire Department. He worked with the Clean Water Initiative Program to ensure that citizens from SeeWee to Santee had access to clean drinking water. He was a member of the Lincoln High School Booster Club and organized The Chain Gang Crew at Lincoln's football games.  He also participated in the Germanville Crime Watch and Germanville Community Action Group.

Peter was preceded in death by: his parents, Peter, Sr. and Henrietta; daughter, Kristin; brother, Isaiah Benjamin; and niece, Tiffany.

Peter leaves to cherish his fond memories: his loving and supportive wife, O. LaVern Manigault Smalls; daughter, Krystal Smalls; grandson, Noah Benjamin; sisters, Mary Alice Scott and Marcella Smalls; nephews, Marcus Smalls, Dyrell and Tyrell Maddox; niece, Taja Scott; aunts, Charlotte Robinson and Carrie Davis; first cousins, Joseph Simmons and Thomas Frasier; adopted son, Gregory Brown; brothers-in-law, Jack Manigault, Jr. and Norman Manigault (Sharnette); sister-in-law, Sharina Tammy Manigault; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Face masks are required. Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, December 31, 2021, 12 Noon, at Howard A.M.E. Church (Outside), 2024 Rutledge Road, McClellanville, SC. Burial will be in Hampton Plantation State Park Cemetery, McClellanville, SC.