Former Ferguson Executive David Peebles Dies at Age 96

David L. Peebles is remembered for his dedication and work ethic to develop Ferguson Inc. into a global distribution powerhouse.

Peebles died at age 96 on June 13, 2025.

Peebles was president of Ferguson from 1969-89. He served as chairman and CEO from 1989-94, and oversaw national and global expansion. The company debuted on the 2025 Fortune 500 list with revenue of $29.6 billion in 2024.

“He helped shape our culture and laid the groundwork for growth and put us on the path to become the industry leader we are today,” Ferguson CEO Kevin Murphy told The Virginian Pilot of Norfolk, Virginia.

“David Peebles was a true visionary creating a business culture of people first while expecting extraordinary results,” said Chip Hornsby, who joined Wolseley when it acquired Fergson. He went on to serve as Wolseley’s CEO for three years.

”Throughout his entire life he was always doing and thinking of others before himself. His leadership and influence on so many will live on long beyond his passing,” Hornsby said.

“David Peebles was my friend, my mentor and my hero,” said Bill Hargette, president of Peebles Supply from 1974-81. He was with Ferguson in executive roles for 38 years. “He positively affected more people than anyone I have ever known.”

Early career

Peebles started his career at Noland Co. and joined Charles A. Ferguson, Ralph M. Lenz, and John Smither in a start-up venture in 1953. Peebles joined Lenz Supply in 1959 and became president of Crossroads Supply after Ralph Lenz stepped down in 1969. One of his first actions was to change the company’s name to Ferguson in honor of his mentor, Charles Ferguson, who passed away in 1955.

Peebles was elected chairman of Ferguson Enterprises, a new business entity with six locations. He created the Ferguson Executive Training Program to bolster the company’s culture of values and work ethic.

The company’s growth as a plumbing and HVAC distributor led to its acquisition of Ferguson by Wolsely PlC, based in the United Kingdom. The move made Ferguson a publicly traded company.

Wolsely recently changed its name to Ferguson and moved its headquarters to the United States. Its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Peebles is survived by his wife Mary Adams Peebles, their children Melinda Peebles Smith (Jeff), Laura Peebles Corr, David L. Peebles, Jr., and Jonathan G. Peebles; nine grandchildren Andrew R. Corr, Jr., (Tiffany), Jeffrey Hunter Smith, Jr., Mary Peyton Smith Garavet (Chase), Mary Grace Corr, Dacey Peebles, Della Peebles, Abigail Peebles, Madeline Peebles, Vivian Peebles, two great-grandchildren Lynlee Danielle and Allie Grace Corr; and a brother, Kenneth Peebles.