Kenneth D. Petty

Kenneth DeRay Petty, It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth DeRay Petty announces his passing after an unexpected illness on Monday, October 1, 2018 at the age of 86 years old. Ken was born February 21, 1932 in McAlpin, Florida.

Ken moved to Birmingham at age 17 after the death of his grandmother. He attended Ramsey High School and afterwards he proudly served our country in the United States Navy, most of his tenure was served in the Philippines. He worked for Mayer Electric for 35 years, retiring at age 57.

In Ken’s earlier years he enjoyed hunting and frog-gigging with his longtime friend, Benny Graham. In his later years he thoroughly enjoyed playing pool with his close friends, Jack Smith and Paul Beavers, and anyone else he could rope into a game.

Ken joined Hughes Memorial after marrying Shirley. Active in the church, he and Shirley especially loved the mission trips and always worked in additional travel adventures which included all 50 states and all Provinces of Canada. At church he was known as the “Candy Man.”

Ken was a loving husband and a caring father and grandfather. He was often referred to as a "true gentleman."

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Elda Jane and W. Crawford Petty; a brother, Damon Petty, and two children, Linda Harper and Ricky Petty.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 years, Shirley Petty, his daughter, Sandra Riley (Richard); stepchildren, Phyllis Garrett, Randy Mahaffey (Rita), and Tamara Roberts (Ken); 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; his favorite Aunt, Ruth Kavouklis; many other family members and a host of friends.

Celebration of life services will be as follows; visitation at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, Thursday, Oct 4, 2018 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Funeral service at Hughes Memorial Baptist Church, Pinson, AL, Friday, Oct 5, 2018 at 11:00am followed by his burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Warrior, AL.

In Lieu of flowers a contribution to Hughes Memorial Baptist Church is appreciated.