Peter Hyman was born in Florence, South Carolina on July 11, 1927. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1954. He was a 1970 graduate of Harvard University receiving his Masters Degree of Law in Torts and Insurance. He was a partner in The Hyman Law Firm until 1996. Peter served as a Florence County Attorney for 22 years. He served as President of the Florence County Bar Association in 1973. Peter joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1943, retiring in 1995 as a Brigadier General. He was the recipient of numerous awards.
Peter served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1961 through 1970. Through his tireless efforts to bring about the necessary legislation, he provided vital leadership in establishing Francis Marion College as a four-year institution.