David Peacock’s journey to Dallas began in 1992 when he moved from his hometown of Charlotte to attend SMU. His roommate at the time was dating Laurie’s best friend, and through this connection, David met Laurie. By the time they both graduated in 1996—David with a degree in business and Laurie with a law degree—they had become a couple. Now, nearly three decades later, the Peacocks have three grown children and continue to enjoy life in the Park Cities.
Laurie’s story is a bit different. Born in Jackson, she moved to Dallas when she was about five years old. Her early education was in private schools until her family settled in the Park Cities, where she attended Highland Park, graduating in 1988. Laurie went on to have a successful career as an insurance defense attorney, but when their youngest child was born, she shifted her focus to family life. Together, David and Laurie have seen their children grow up in the same community, all of them attending Highland Park schools for most of their lives. “We love the Park Cities. We have no plans to leave,” Laurie said.
Their three children, William, Robert, and Anne Blanche, have each found their own paths, but their upbringing in the area has played a significant role in shaping their futures. William, the oldest, attended private schools before switching to University Park for elementary, eventually graduating from Highland Park High School in 2018. He then attended Miami University in Ohio where he earned a finance degree in 2022. “After graduation, I was looking for a change of scenery,” William explained. “While I loved my four years in Oxford, Ohio, I realized I wanted to be back in Dallas for career opportunities.” Today, William works as an analyst for Swift Creek Partners and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Natalie Arns, a St. Louis native. They met when each moved here after college through a mutual friend who was an HP classmate of William’s and a college friend of Natalie’s. William also enjoys playing golf. He, his father, and brother Robert have a weekly golf game. Robert, the middle child, was involved in sports at Highland Park, playing on the golf team and basketball team at times. After graduating from Highland Park in 2020, he attended the University of Arkansas. Robert played on the Arkansas club golf team winning several tournaments. He graduated in May and is now pursuing a career in professional golf. “I caddy at Trinity Forest to make extra money and work on my golf game with my coach, Randy Smith, most days.” He is looking forward to playing in several upcoming tournaments and continuing the grind. He also enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Kennedy, a junior at SMU. Anne Blanche, the youngest, attended University Park elementary, then Hockaday for three years, before transferring back to Highland Park, graduating in 2023. She loved her time at Highland Park where she was active in numerous organizations and played soccer all four years. She is now a sophomore at UT Austin, majoring in kinesiology/sports management. “I did a summer program at the London School of Economics last year and loved the experience,” she said. “I hope to study abroad again next year.” She is now interning as a social media coordinator for Sandlot Children’s Charity.
As a family, the Peacocks have enjoyed several memorable vacations, with London during the holiday season in 2021 being a family favorite. “It was such a unique trip because of Covid,” William recalled. “The hotel was only about 20% full, and it felt like we had the city to ourselves.” David, William and Robert also traveled to Newcastle to watch a Manchester City football game. Outside of their London adventures, the Peacocks also have a family home in Monteagle, Tennessee. “My grandfather was Baptist preacher who grew up not far from there,” shared Laurie. “It is this connection to the area that led my father’s family to visit Monteagle each summer after buying a small cottage there in 1947. And now their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren continue the tradition each summer.”
Locally, the Peacocks enjoy several restaurants, including Hillstone, il Bracco, Burger House, and Mi Cocina. However, Anne Blanche shared that her mom’s cooking is equally amazing. “We eat at home more often than we go out, and my mom’s lasagna is my favorite meal,” she said.
David, who is the CEO of Messick Peacock and Associates, a wealth management company, also serves on the board of Forefront Living Foundation and the Texas Business Hall of Fame. The family is also involved with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. Laurie was a symphony debutante, and her mother was active with fundraising for the DSOL for many years. In addition, Robert participated in the Honor Guard last year, and Anne Blanche was recently invited to participate as a debutante where she has been able to reconnect with friends from Hockaday and form new friendships as well.
In the end, the Peacocks are perfectly content with where life has taken them. They appreciate their family bond, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the chance to keep exploring the world together.