Jack Oneal Pettus
Born: August 06, 1937
Died: April 29, 2015
Mr. Pettus was a native of Lauderdale County, AL, an United States Army Veteran, retired from Ford Motor Company, a pipefitter, a farmer, and a member of Green’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Jack was born at home on Blue Water Creek on August 6, 1937. He attended Palestine School before graduating from Rogers High School in 1955, where he lettered in basketball and was named Mr. RHS as a senior. Upon graduation, Jack worked in air-conditioning for 10 years before joining the pipefitter apprentice program through the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union, Local 760. Jack entered the U.S. Army Reserve in 1960 and served until 1966, being discharged as an e5 rank sergeant. Jack was a member of the United Auto Workers for 31 years, serving as Union Representative for 10 of his 31 years at Ford Motor Company’s Sheffield and Nashville plants. He also owned and operated a small cattle farm above Blue Water Creek, just a stone’s throw from his childhood home. Jack was a member of Green’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as chairman of the church board for 28 years. Jack also served periodically as lay-minister for other churches in the area and was a long-time participant in the Walk of Emmaus. As a child of Christ, Jack was a faithful, loving, and giving church member who touched the lives of so many. As a friend, Jack was loved for his gentle spirit, his generosity and his warm sense of humor. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Loretto Memorial Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Audie Hodges & Ricky Green will be officiating. Burial to follow in Richardson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Loretto Memorial Chapel. Pallbearers will be Michael Pettus, Larry Pettus, Melvin Pettus, Marion Pettus, Robin Crafton, & Clay Crafton. Honorary Pallbearers will be the men of Green’s Chapel. Survivors include: Wife- Mona Marcell Pettus of Lexington, AL; Son- Jackie Pettus (Laura) of Alexandria, VA; Daughter- Paula Crafton (Robin) of Killen, AL; 3 Brothers- Jim Pettus of Lexington, AL; Tommy Pettus of Lexington, AL; Gary Pettus of Lexington, AL; 3 Grandchildren; Several Nieces & Nephews; As a brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Jack was a foundation of a loving family who instilled a sense of the possible in everyone he touched, constantly reminding doubters that, “Cain’t never do nuthin’.” Jack, your example will be remembered and your hugs will be missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Green’s Chapel (UMC).
