Loyce Alexander "L.A." Pettey

Loyce Alexander Pettey, 98, son of the late Nellar (McRae) and Sam A. Pettey, was born September 11, 1912 in Nacogdoches, TX and passed away July 9, 2011 at Pinecrest Nursing facility. He was preceded in death by his wife, Syble Waggoner Pettey in October, 2009.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Nell and Larry Hill and son and daughter-in-law, Ronald E. and Glenda Pettey, all of Lufkin, grandchildren and families, Kevin and Nancy Hill of Carrollton; Kerry and Deborah Hill of Lufkin; Kenneth and Robin Hill of Cypress; Jennifer and Joshua Smith, Kimberly Pettey, Douglas and Vickie Pettey, Kelli and Colton Thacker, all of Lufkin. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Rachel Hill, Nathan Hill, Rebecca Hill, Zachary Hill, Alexander Hill, Taylor Pettey, Jason Smith, Caroline Thacker and several nieces and nephews.

During his long and productive life, he served his country in the Navy during World War II. Prior to enlisting as a young man, he was a baker at City Bakery in Nacogdoches. After the war, he found his real talent as a salesman for the former National Life and Accident Insurance Company, later known as American General Insurance Company. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Lufkin where he taught Junior boys and was a warm and personable greeter. Retirement came early in his life, which gave him and Syble, his wife of 71 years, the opportunity to travel and enjoy the many friendships they valued.

L. A. will be missed by his family and the many friends he touched during his loving and giving life. He will be remembered as the gentle father and grandfather who took them fishing, camping, playing dominos and spending quality time with each loved one.

Services for Mr. Pettey will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2011 in the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park with Dr. Andrew G. Pittman officiating. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the PineCrest Nursing Facility, especially Trina Mantilla.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home