Nan's obituary
Carol Nanette Peddycoart, age 61, passed away on March 11, 2025. Born on March 3, 1964, Nan grew up in Marietta and Adairsville, surrounded by her loving mother and her three sisters. Nan’s life was shaped by her unwavering faith in God, which was evident in everything she did. Nan was a woman whose life was a testament to love, kindness, and strength, always putting others before herself—even in the face of her own struggles.
Nan married the love of her life, Chuck, on Valentine’s Day in 1995. They shared 30 beautiful years together, during which they had their beloved son, Joe. They loved spending time at the beach, attending church and trying new things. Just last year, Chuck and Joe took Nan fishing for the first time, and she was the only one to catch a fish! They also supported War Angel Farms, sponsoring a horse named Mystic. Their visits to the farm were always a highlight, as they enjoyed spending time with the many animals on the property.
While Nan had a fondness for all animals, she especially loved dogs. She rescued many dogs throughout her life and instantly bonded with every dog she encountered. She frequently said her favorite smell was puppy breath! She would often remind those around her that "dog" spelled backwards is "God," a sentiment that reflected her unshakeable love for the Lord. Despite enduring many challenges, including her battle with cancer, Nan's spirit remained anchored in her faith. A vivid memory for her son Joe is when she continued to work at Riedy’s Gift while wearing a chemo pump, hiding it under her jacket, because spreading joy outweighed the pain of the chemo. She often joked that through her work at Riedy’s Gift and her dedication to Operation Christmas Child, she was an honorary professional elf.
Nan’s impact on others was undeniable. If you introduced her to someone, that person would remember her instantly and ask about her the next time they saw you. She had an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel welcome, loved, and valued. If you were dumb, she made you feel smart. If you were weak, she made you feel strong. When you were so down and ready to quit, she made you feel more inspired than anything else ever could. Even as her family writes this, they can almost hear her calming voice saying, “you’re okay, you’re alright, you’re okay, you’re alright.”
Nan shared a deep and special bond with her best friend, Ellen, who was by her side for over 40 years. Their adventures were always marked by a shared love of finding the perfect swing. During a visit to Yellow River Game Ranch in their 20s, Nan struck up a conversation with a stranger, casually asking if he frequented the place and where his favorite spots were. To their surprise, he gave them an impromptu VIP tour of the property—revealing later that he was the owner. His reason for the kindness? He simply wanted to be around the woman radiating such good energy and love for life. This wasn’t an isolated experience as Nan’s infectious positivity touched everyone she met.
Nan also shared unforgettable memories and adventures with her sisters. Every year, they made it a tradition to take a "sister trip," exploring places like Gatlinburg, riding the Blue Mountain Scenic Train, or even spending time painting pottery together. The trips they took were not just about the places they visited, but about the joy of being together. They were always there for each other, deepening the family ties that meant so much to Nan.
Though Nan loved many things, she had one notable dislike: crowds. She once had to abandon a trip to Buc-ee’s, where she was buying gas, brisket, t-shirts, dog collars, picture frames, and a small Snoopy statue, because the crowd overwhelmed her. For those who knew her, this was a big deal - Buc-ee’s was one of her favorite places!
Nan is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Peddycoart; her son, Joe Peddycoart and his wife, Mady; her stepdaughter, Jennifer Cook and her husband, Curtis; her stepson, Jeff Peddycoart and his wife, Vasy; her six grandchildren, MacKenzie Peddycoart, Leyton Peddycoart, Wyatt Cook, Erin Cook, Camden Peddycoart, and Mason Peddycoart; and one granddaughter on the way. She is also survived by her Irish twin, Chris Downs; and her loving sister, Jan Crawford. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janie Mae Dover; her father, Robert Belton Crawford Jr.; and her sister, Brenda Cunningham. Nan was a cherished member of her family and a friend to all who knew her.
Nan’s legacy of kindness, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her impact will never be forgotten, and her love for God will continue to inspire all who remember her.