Kenneth Pepper Fields, 85

Kenneth Pepper Fields, age 85, of Swainsboro, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Funeral Service was held Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Rusty Moore officiating. Interment followed in Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum. Family received friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers were Swainsboro Fire Department. Honorary Pallbearers were members of the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club.

Pepper was born August 2, 1941, in Swainsboro, to the late Bertie James and Ruby R. Shealy Fields.

He was a devoted husband, public servant, and an active member of his community. Pepper and his beloved wife, Barbara, shared 57 years of marriage, building a life centered around family, friendship, and service to others. He was a familiar face throughout the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Pepper especially enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus, bringing smiles and Christmas cheer to children and families throughout the area. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing checkers and cards and spending time with those he loved. He was also a faithful member of Mt. Shady Baptist Church.

A 1959 graduate of Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Pepper dedicated much of his life to serving others through public safety. He retired as Assistant Fire Chief of the Swainsboro Fire Department and also served as a 911 dispatcher with Emanuel County E-911. His commitment to the fire service and his community extended well beyond his years on the job. He was a past member of the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club and the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. He also served as Past Chairman of the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and was a past member of its Board of Directors.

Throughout his distinguished career, Pepper received numerous honors in recognition of his dedication and service. Among these were the Bobby Powell Memorial Award in 2004, the Georgia Public Safety Educators Association’s Star Thrower Award in 2005, and the American Legion Outstanding Public Service Award in 2006. He was also named Firefighter of the Year in 1979, 1983, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006. While these awards recognized his accomplishments, his greatest legacy will be the many lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and willingness to serve others. Pepper will be remembered as a devoted husband, a faithful church member, and a friend to many whose presence will be deeply missed. Mr. Fields is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jimmy A. Fields; and sister, Ginger Purcell.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara T. Fields of Swainsboro; son, Robert (Bonnie) Fields of Mount Joy, PA.; daughter, Christine Fields Waters of Sandersville; granddaughter, Mandy Fields (Colton) Hinkle of Lancaster, PA.; grandson, Ryon C. Waters of Warthen; great-grandsons, Calvin Hinkle and Isaac Hinkle, both of Lancaster, PA.; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to: The Leaders of Faith Foundation, PO Box 26, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.