Bobby Ray Petty

Bobby “Bob” Ray Petty, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired electrical engineer, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his loving family—a reflection of the deep and lasting bond they shared throughout his life.

Born on February 6, 1937, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Bob was the youngest child of John Brown Petty and Mattie Lee Petty (née Bennett), both of whom preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his siblings Art, Mazie, Tommy, and Johnny, as well as his nephew Rodney.

A natural athlete from a young age, Bob played tennis in high school, worked as a lifeguard, and was a skilled competitive diver. His talents earned him a spot on the Clemson University diving team, where he proudly placed third in the ACC Diving Tournament. He graduated from Clemson in 1960 with a degree in engineering.

On February 4, 1962, Bob married the love of his life, Lynne (née Walker). Over their 63 years together, they built a joyful and loving life, raising three children—Jennifer, Greg, and Derek—and creating a family grounded in love, laughter, and shared traditions. In 1982, Bob and Lynne became permanent members of Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, where their faith and community remained an important part of their lives.

Bob had a long and successful career at PEPCO, where he worked in System Planning as an electrical engineer. Known for his intelligence, dedication, and collaborative spirit, he retired in 1996 after decades of respected and meaningful work.

Disciplined and energetic, Bob stayed active throughout his life. He pitched fast-pitch softball, played tennis, and earned a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, spending decades teaching this martial art to people of all ages. He brought focus, integrity, and enthusiasm to everything he pursued—from sports and career to family and community.

Bob was known for his bright blue eyes, his warm personality, and his wonderful sense of humor. Always quick with a joke or a story, he had a special gift for making people feel welcome and at ease.

He loved the outdoors—fishing, spending time at the beach, enjoying crab feasts, and grilling his signature ribs on the backyard BBQ he built with his family. He also took great joy in mowing the yard on his tractor and—much to the dismay of some family members—cutting down trees, whether they needed it or not. Family dinners, especially those enjoyed outside with his children and grandchildren, and spending time with family in Chincoteague were among his most treasured moments. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne; his children, Jennifer, Greg (Missy), and Derek (Katy); his nine grandchildren: Tyler, Allison, Tommy (Ariana), Sophie, Anna, Sam, Cayden, Logan, and Adalynne; and his former son- and daughter-in-law, Doug and Teresa, who remained a valued part of the extended family.

A service in remembrance of Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. A celebration of life will follow at Zinnia, located just across the street from the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations have been designated for Saint Luke Lutheran Church (9100 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910). You may also give electronically at www.saintlukegive.us Then click Bobby Petty Memorial.

His legacy of kindness, humor, strength, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.