6
trees
planted in memory of Peter Weaver Squire
Obituary for Peter Weaver Squire
Dr. Peter Weaver Squire, M.D., aged 98, of Emporia, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 7, 2024. Born on March 25, 1926, in Fairmont, West Virginia, he was the son of Edward Allen Squire and Sara Waters Squire. Peter grew up in Emporia, where his adventurous spirit shone through as he managed a paper route and occasionally climbed the water tower to watch for the arrival of the train with the day’s newspapers.
Peter graduated from Greensville County High School in 1943 and joined the Navy V-12 Officer Training Program, attending Hampden-Sydney College and Columbia University’s Midshipman School. Peter’s athleticism as a wide receiver and defensive back, and his role as a captain of the football team at Hampden-Sydney, began a lasting family tradition and legacy at the college.
He served valiantly in the Pacific Theater during World War II, where he began his journey toward medicine by corresponding with professors about the prerequisites for medical school. After the war, Peter continued his education at Hampden-Sydney College, earning his degree in 1948, and subsequently, his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1952. It was during his internship at Stuart Circle Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, that he met his future wife and lifelong partner, Nancy Hall Barker. Their marriage on April 12, 1953, became a shining example of true love and was blessed with four sons: Harry Edward, William Bryon, Peter Weaver, Jr., and Robert Hall.
In 1953, Peter established the Prince-Squire Clinic in Emporia with Dr. John Stuart Prince, marking the beginning of a distinguished 60-year career in medicine. Renowned for his compassion and dedication to the people of Southern Virginia, Peter was instrumental in starting Greensville Memorial Hospital in Emporia, serving as the first chief of staff and leading many fundraising efforts for the hospital. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, an active member of the Medical Society of Virginia, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association, and a devout and active Elder of the First Presbyterian Church.
Beyond his medical career, Peter developed a passion for farming. Encouraged by his mentor during residency, Dr. Spotty Robbins, he entered the cattle business, acquiring Hill Hi Farm in the late 1960s from his father, Edward, affectionately known as Daddy Buck. On the farm, Peter could seamlessly transition from the lively tasks of cattle management to the peaceful pursuit of searching for arrowheads with his grandchildren, embodying both steward and historian. Outside of the farm, Peter enjoyed sharing meals with his beloved neighbors, dutifully tending to his rose garden, and cherishing moments with his large family.
Dr. Squire is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Nancy, and his beloved sister, Sara Squire Burton. He is lovingly remembered by his sons and their families: Harry; Bill and his wife Anne; Weaver; and Hall and his wife Molly. He was a cherished grandfather to Alexandra Saunders and her husband Brock; Peebles Squire and his wife Lauren; Peter Squire and his wife Olivia; Malcolm Squire; Barker Squire and his wife Molly; Mary Bance and her husband Tosh; Sarah Barlow and her husband Mac; Dr. Harry Squire and his wife Dr. Madison Squire; Tom Squire and his wife Hilary; and John Squire and his wife Anna. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren with a twelfth due in October.
A private burial service will be held at Round Hill Church at 10:30 AM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church on August 13, 2024. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hampden Sydney College, The First Presbyterian Church of Emporia, or the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, in memory of Dr. Peter W. Squire.
Dr. Squire’s legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to his community and profession will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Previous Events
Service
Tuesday
13
Aug
12:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
210 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
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