Dr. F. C. Petty

Dr. F.C. "Charlie" Petty Frederick Charles Petty "Charlie", 83, of Temple, Texas passed with great peace, surrounded by family on July 7, 2012. He joins his Lord, his lovely wife, parents, siblings, and other family whom he loved so greatly. Charlie was born March 15, 1929 in Mt. Pleasant, Tn. to Mable M. and W.E. Petty. Charlie graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. He was a fellow of the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. After practicing in Mt. Pleasant, Clarksville, and Memphis, Tennessee, he joined the staff of Scott & White Clinic and Hospital in 1968 and served as the Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine until 1987. Charlie also practiced Nuclear Medicine, serving as Department Chief of Radiology Service at the Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center from 1987 until 1992. He was Associate Professor, Clinical Faculty of the Texas A&M College of Medicine and developed one of the first schools for Nuclear Medicine Technologists. He served as Medical Director of this school, The School of Nuclear Medicine Technology, McLennan Community College, Waco, Tx. He was published numerous times, lectured nationally, and bestowed many professional honors. He taught his staff about medicine and life, believing that "If your family doesn't come first, you can't work for me." He naturally attracted folks of character and loyalty to his staff, a mentor to so many. He was preceded in death by his parents, his lovely wife Margaret, siblings Edward, John, Carolyn and special niece Caroline. He is survived by son Clark Petty and partner Chris Chambers of San Antonio, Son Mike Petty and wife Melissa of Temple, grandson Eric Petty and wife Yesica of Hewitt and grandson Atticus Petty of Temple. He is also survived by his tireless and loving companion, caregiver and advocate, Debra Clark. Her daily spirit and energy kept him going and assured the best care for him during his last years of decline. There are several members of extended family that share his loss, especially Barbara Wilbur of Clarksville, Tn and Celeste Helcel of Lott, Tx. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at Scott & White Clinic, Hospital, Hospice and Cornerstone Gardens Healthcare and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care given to this wonderful caregiver. Charlie was a backbone of Grace Presbyterian Church, serving as long as his body would allow him. He and Margaret were dedicated to Meals on Wheels and many youth programs of the church. He loved to teach the children, befriend and give support to the elderly. He is known and will be missed by many for his radiant love, smiles and tireless positive attitude, even when his chronic physical ailments had the best of him. Final viewing and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday July 11, 2012 at Grace Presbyterian Church with Rev. Thom Lamb and Dr. Thomas Allen officiating. Private family burial will be at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, Meals on Wheels, 2401 S. 57th Street, Temple, Texas 76502 or Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home, P.O. Drawer G, Denton, Texas 76202 or Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter, 3429 Executive Center Dr., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78731.