Etowah County Remembers Peter Gregerson, Sr.: Businessman, Civic Leader, and Guiding Light
Etowah County-Etowah County and the City of Gadsden are mourning the loss of Peter Valjean Gregerson, Sr., who passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 97. A man whose life spanned nearly a century, Gregerson left an indelible mark on his community through his business acumen, charitable leadership, and steadfast commitment to living by the Golden Rule.
Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gregerson would eventually make Alabama his home and the place where his vision, faith, and determination transformed countless lives. In 1969, he founded Gregerson’s Foods, Inc., a small grocery operation that blossomed into Alabama’s largest independent grocer. At its height, the company employed over 1,200 people across 15 stores, offering livelihoods to families and fostering a culture of opportunity and care. He also served as president of Super Valu grocery chains in Alabama and Georgia, further establishing his reputation as a respected leader in the grocery industry.
But Gregerson’s influence extended far beyond the business world. A committed civic leader, he was instrumental in shaping the character and beauty of Gadsden and Etowah County. He founded the United Way Leadership Giving program, Keep Etowah Beautiful, and was among the founders of RiverFest, a community music festival that brought people together from across the region. He led the charge in planting roses along Rainbow Drive and Meighan Boulevard, leaving a living testament to his belief in the importance of nurturing community spaces.
Perhaps one of his most visible legacies is the Spirit of American Citizenship monument, a 65-foot obelisk along the Coosa River, which he helped organize and fund to commemorate Gadsden’s sesquicentennial in 1997. The monument stands not only as a symbol of civic pride but as a reflection of Gregerson’s lifelong dedication to honoring community, country, and shared values.
Gregerson’s dedication to service was guided by his Christian faith, which infused every aspect of his life. A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Gadsden, he was a Gideon, regularly ministering at the Etowah County Jail on Saturdays, offering encouragement, counsel, and hope to those who needed it most. Family and friends often remarked that his faith and devotion to others were inseparable from the person he was—someone who lived what he preached.
In addition to his civic contributions, Gregerson was a gifted communicator, joining the National Speakers Association and delivering lectures not just across the United States but as far afield as Hong Kong, Vienna, and South Africa. He shared the podium with figures such as former Vice President Dick Cheney, Dallas Cowboys legends Tom Landry and Roger Staubach, and Olympic athlete Bob Richards. His speeches were published in Vital Speeches – The Best Thoughts of the Best Minds on Current National Questions and in the Congressional Record, inspiring audiences far and wide with his insights and moral clarity.
Gregerson also authored several books and booklets, including his celebrated work, “The Golden Rule: The Best Way to Live.” Inspired by his late wife, Janet, the book distills a lifetime of experience into a simple yet profound message: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This principle guided not only his personal and professional life but also sparked the Golden Rule Anti-Bullying Program, embraced by local schools under the leadership of his grandson, Gadsden State Community College Police Chief Jay Freeman. Gregerson believed that kindness, respect, and empathy were the foundations of a strong, thriving community, and he lived these values every day.
Recognition of his contributions came in many forms. Earlier this year, the City of Gadsden, alongside Mayor Craig Ford, declared May 27, 2025, “Peter Gregerson Sr. Day”. The city council, along with State Representatives Mark Gidley, Mack Butler, Craig Lipscomb, and Senator Andrew Jones, honored Gregerson for his lifelong dedication to education, civic responsibility, and community well-being. Over the years, he was also recognized as Alabama’s Outstanding Civic Leader, received the Pillars of Gold Award, and was inducted into the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association’s Patriots Hall of Honor, among numerous other accolades.
Gregerson’s family remembers him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 70 years, Janet, who passed in September 2024. He is survived by seven children—Peter Jr. (Pamela), David (Dawn), Vicki (Jim), Douglas, Debra, Cindy (Roger), and Thomas (Wendy)—along with 23 grandchildren, 20 chosen grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, six chosen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. His family says his greatest legacy is not the monuments or businesses he built, but the lives he touched through kindness, guidance, and love.
Gadsden State Police Chief Jay Freeman reflected, “Grandfather lived a life of service and integrity. He believed in the Golden Rule in every action, every decision, every day. His lessons will continue to inspire generations.” Mayor Craig Ford echoed this sentiment: “Our prayers are with the Gregerson family during this difficult time. Mr. Gregerson had an enormous positive influence in Gadsden, not just as a businessman, but as a man whose character and example will resonate for decades to come.”
As Etowah County and the City of Gadsden mourn, they also celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived—one that exemplified the values of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Peter Valjean Gregerson, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of enduring influence and a community forever shaped by his vision, faith, and unwavering belief in treating others with dignity and respect.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Gadsden on Saturday, September 13th.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, immediately followed by services at 3:00 PM
https://weisradio.com/2025/05/29/city-of-gadsden-honors-peter-gregerson-for-anti-bullying-advocacy/
