Mr. Joseph "Joe" Walter Petties Jr., born Nov. 2, 1936, departed this life Jan. 29, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a native of Chunchula, Alabama and a longtime resident of Fairhope, Alabama.
Joe was a member of Bible Way Holiness Church where he served as senior deacon.
He retired from the Baldwin County Board of Education and spent many years performing odd jobs that included carpentry, farming, landscaping, painting and private sitting. His lifelong career in the funeral business began in 1957 "digging graves" in South Alabama and Southwest Florida, and received his funeral director's license in 1974.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Walter Pettis Sr. and Cora Lee Mayfield; two brothers, David Pettis and Thomas Pettis.
He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 61 years, Edna G. Petties of Fairhope; four loving sons, Joseph (Rebecca) Petties, Larry Petties, Mark (Tonya) Petties and James (Jacinda) Petties Sr.; two devoted daughters, Evelyn (Rickey) Mims and Grace (Leo) Shepard; 14 loving grandchildren, Phillip (Lakai) Petties, Martell Mims, Phylicia (Termaine) Jackson, Rev. Mykel Williams, Lavar Mims, Douglas Petties, Thea Petties, Elias Petties, Joseph L. Petties, Marlonta Petties, Isaiah Ellis-Hamilton and James Petties Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Petties, Haley, Petties, Cormiya Gray, Zariyha Petties, Rickey Mims Jr. and Ross Mims; six sisters, Gloria Sinclair, Lena Pettis, Linda Pettis-Robinson, Yvonne Pettis-Woods, Joann Pettis-Watson, Wanda Pettis; two brothers, Darrel Pettis and Wayne (Emma) Pettis; three devoted cousins, Josephine Gains, Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson and Hary Lee Pettis; a host of nieces, nephew, many other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends at Bible Way Holiness Church, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, from 5 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held from the First Baptist Church of Fairhope, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at 10 a.m.
Mr. Petties will lie in state at the church from 9 a.m. until the service time.
Interment will follow in Twin Beech Cemetery.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, 251-990-7775, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
