1947
2017
Col. John Johnston Petty, 70, of Midlothian, VA died Monday, July 24, 2017 doing what he loved, sailing at Sunset Beach, NC.
A funeral will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at three o'clock in the afternoon at Springfield Friends Meeting in High Point, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Also, we will have a memorial service at three o'clock in the afternoon, Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030.
John was born May 27, 1947 in Greensboro, NC, the son of James Chalmers Petty and Katherine Johnston Petty.
John was a graduate of the US Air Force Academy in 1970 and went on to get his MBA during his 27 year career in the Air Force. Following his retirement from the Air Force, John was employed by Management Analysis Inc. for 16 years. John enjoyed connecting and mentoring people which was displayed by his involvement in men's ministry and the Kairos Prison Ministry for over a decade. He cherished his longtime involvement at Truro Church in Fairfax, VA, and more recently at the Brandermill Church in Midlothian, VA. He loved all things nautical, especially sailing. His love of boats led him to start his own repair company, Watercraft Solutions, Inc. where he specialized in pontoon boats. Following his retirement, John enjoyed fishing with his brothers, traveling far and wide with his much-beloved wife, and the occasional motorcycle ride. Most of all John will be remembered as a kind, enthusiastic, adventurous, and generous person that loved to create rich experiences for others. He will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcia B. Petty; children, Benjamin Petty, Karla Petty and J. Clinton Petty and his wife Katie, all of Washington, D.C.; brothers, James C. Petty of Wilmington, NC, Marshall W. Petty of Greensboro, NC and W. Clinton Petty of Reston, VA.
In lieu of sending flowers, consider making a donation to Kairos Prison Ministry, 100 Debary Plantation Blvd., Debary, FL 32713.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the Petty family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home.
May 21, 2018
Friend
Kathy Parish
Marcia, I am so saddened to hear of John's passing. I just recently learned of his passing and just want to say you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Although I didn't know John I have always enjoyed your friendship and know you must miss him terribly. I pray the Lord blesses you daily.
December 29, 2017
Kathleen Gillmann
Dear Marcia, Thank you so much for your kind note which we just received Dec 29th. My heart goes out to you in your sorrow. We are now praying for you, Ben, Carla & Clinton. We are so very sorry for your loss. John was a very special man. Sincerely, Kathleen & Ralph
December 15, 2017
Bill and Rita Kirk
Heartfelt condolences to you and all your family, Marcia. Peace be with you.
September 5, 2017
Friend
Chip and Sibbi l Yarger
Marcia, Ben, Carla, Clinton- We are so saddened to hear of John's homegoing! Words cannot express our feeling of loss and sorrow in which we know you are living at this time. We are gladdened to know he is with the Lord and we will see him again. The hope of heaven is so real at times like these. Time will heal, but the sorrow will be a close companion for a while. We understand this in our experience and we will be keeping you close in our hearts and praying for you all during these difficult days and months. Know we love you all and we will think of your partner and dad so very warmly and feel blessed for knowing him in the early years in Fairborn. We love you all and stand with you in spirit at this difficult time.
August 8, 2017
I am devastated to hear what happened to John. You are both so special to me. I believe John was one of the sweetest men I ever knew. I am sorry for your loss and for your family and for his many friends. May God bless and comfort you.Love, Elaine
August 4, 2017
June Buff
I was stunned to hear the tragic news from my brother Harry. Being the youngest of the cousins, I didn't really know John growing up. But he reached out in a very meaningful way when we lost our dad in 1992, and he and I connected. It was immediately obvious that he was extremely special. I will always remember him. I'm so sorry for your loss, Pettys.
June Johnston Buff
August 4, 2017
Dear Marcia and Family,
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. John was a lovely man. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gretchen and David Nagy
July 30, 2017
Marcia and Family, Blessings to you all as you mourn your beloved John. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tony and Beth DeCristofaro, Fairfax, VA
July 29, 2017
Dick Rauschkolb
John was a great member of the Class of 1970 at the Air Force Academy. He was greatly admired by his classmates. RIP my friend
July 29, 2017
John & Marlene Jones
Dear Marcia and family,
We do know how inadequate words are at times such as this. Also, we know God will carry you above the tumult through the prayerful and loving support of family & friends. But above all, through the consolation of the Holy Spirit.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15.
We treasure our friendship that has blossomed since we all retired to this area 5 years ago, and the memories we've made together. They truly are bonds that will not be broken!
Love & prayers,
Marlene & John Jones
July 29, 2017
John and Marci Borden
Dear Marcia and family - we are deeply saddened by John's sudden passing. You have been great neighbors, and he will be sorely missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 29, 2017
Dear Karla and family,
Words can not express my sorrow for your Dad's passing from life here to heaven. Blessed assurance that he is with His savior. With love and prayer, Peggy Aderton
July 29, 2017
Harold & Trish Small
Marcia, our family mourns with yours over John's passing. He was a honorable and generous man that the world will miss. He now goes before us to join Brian and his own parents to be welcomed into the merciful arms of our Lord. It was a privilege to know him.
July 28, 2017
Jay and Ginny Hackleman
Dear Marcia and family, We grieve your loss and are praying for you. John was a superb senior Air Force officer, but even more importantly, he was a wonderful Christian man who loved his family and tirelessly served his Lord and his community. This world is a better place for John Petty having lived here. We will miss our dear friend greatly.
July 28, 2017
Terri Janca
With Deepest Sympathy, Marcia to you and your family so very sorry to learn of John's passing.. Such a loss to you and the family and for everyone who was touched by his love and friendship
Terri Janca.
July 28, 2017
Fred and Gail Belen
We are very, very saddened to hear of John's death. Your family will be in our prayers as you grieve....
July 28, 2017
Jim and Sheila Walters
Marcia and family,
We send our sincere sympathy with the loss of our dear neighbor and friend. We here to assist with any of your transitional needs and we pray you find peace with the love you have for this dear man.
July 28, 2017
Mike Lambert
So very sorry for your family's loss and the loss of a great classmate and man. Our class grieves with you and our prayers are with you. Mike Lambert and the USAFA Class of 1970
July 28, 2017
Hal Raddin
I sat next to John in our weekly men's Wednesday Bible Study, and I can attest to John's open and unquestioned profession in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. His prison ministry was a testament to his faith
as Christ taught is disciples in Mathew 25:31-46. We will miss him.
July 27, 2017
Deborah and Peter Marzluff
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
July 26, 2017
Rachel Day
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more