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Ronald Quinn Pettus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed away
Ronald Quinn Pettus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated educator, passed awaypeacefully listening to Amazing Grace on June 19th at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his
loving family.
Ronald was born in September of 1940 in Killen, Alabama. He was the son of Ruby and Rollie
Pettus and stepson of Laura Mae Pettus. He grew up with a love for learning and developed a
passion for history, which he carried throughout his life.
Ronald graduated from Lauderdale County High School and went on to earn degrees from the
University of North Alabama and Athens State College. After an initial job in accounting, he
followed his passion to become a high school history teacher. His journey eventually led him to
Brooks High School, where he retired after 30 years of teaching. He inspired countless students
with his stories, enthusiasm, and dedication to education. He was not just a teacher but a mentor
and friend to countless students.
After retirement, Ronald, with the help of his wife Brenda, followed through on a lifelong dream
by creating the Pettus Museum, a local treasure in his hometown of Killen. The museum
celebrated the rich history of the local community, as well as American history. Under his
stewardship, the museum flourished, offering a glimpse into the past so that visitors could learn
about our heritage and be inspired about our future. After fully retiring, Ronald and Brenda
moved to Athens, Alabama where much of the museum took over the upstairs of their home. He
still proudly gave informal tours to friends, family, and visitors.
Ronald was a devoted family man, married to his beloved wife, Brenda, for 59 years and 364
days. Ronald went to be with Jesus a few hours before their 60th anniversary – but he knew they
would have an eternal celebration when they are together in Heaven. Together, they raised two
sons, Jonathan (wife Angela), and Matthew (wife Jana), and were blessed with four
grandchildren, Alyssa, Jackson, Harrison, and Kate. He was preceded in death by his father,
Rollie, his mother, Ruby, his brother, Jerry, and leaves behind his loving stepmother Laura Mae
Pettus and sister Gail Johnston – along with many other beloved family members.
If you knew Ronald, you know you walked away from every interaction with a new story or
interesting fact. He saved every paper, article, or artifact he thought might have an inkling of
importance. Ronald found great joy in history and in learning all the lessons that we can apply
today toward building a better future. He loved teaching, reading, writing, and in recent years he
became an expert in working puzzles with Brenda.
His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the history he preserved. Ronald’s
dedication to his faith, education, community, and family will never be forgotten. As we
remember his extraordinary life, we are reminded of the importance of loving fathers, passionate
educators, and Godly disciples.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 22 at Killen Methodist Church. Visitation will
be held from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the church followed by a celebration of Ronald’s life at 3
p.m. Pallbearers will be Todd Parker, Joel Hamner, Wesley Hamner, John Charles Crow, Walter
Martin, Parker Hendricks, Randy Johnston, and Matt Homan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to two of Ronald’s favorite charities, Limestone County Churches Involved (LCCI) and
the Alabama Veteran’s Museum in Athens. The family would like to express their appreciation
to Athens Limestone Hospital for their compassionate and excellent care of Ronald.
Ronald Quinn Pettus will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his kind spirit
and impact he had on the lives of those who knew him will live on forever.
