Robert Lee Pettit, Jr.

Robert Lee “Bob” Pettit Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday September 23, 2026 at the age of 93. Bob, affectionately referred to as “BB” by his grandchildren, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on December 12,1932 to Margaret Brandon Pettit and Robert Lee Pettit Sr. Bob grew up in Baton Rouge and spent many summers in Pinckneyville, MS with his Brandon family relatives. He attended Dufrocq Elementary and Baton Rouge High School. It was at Baton Rouge High that his talent and passion for the sport of basketball was developed. Bob frequently said that one of his proudest achievements was winning the basketball state championship for Baton Rouge High School his senior year.

Bob attended LSU from 1950-1954 where he earned a degree in Business, was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and excelled as a member of the men’s basketball team. Bob starred on the team earning 2x All American honors, 3x First Team All SEC, and lead the Tigers to their first ever NCAA Final Four. His #50 jersey was the first jersey in LSU history, in any sport, to be retired. His years at LSU and the friendships he made there were extremely special to him.

In 1954, Bob was drafted by the NBA's Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, beginning a long and accomplished career in the NBA. During his 11-year career, he received many accolades including the NBA’s first ever MVP, 11x NBA All-Star, 4x All-Star game MVP and led the Hawks to the 1958 title over the Boston Celtics. Bob retired in 1965 as the leading scorer in the history of the league. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1973.

After retiring from basketball, Bob enjoyed a successful career as a banker and financial consultant. He enjoyed spending time with friends at The Stratford Club, The Boston Club, The Recess Club, and participated in several carnival organizations in New Orleans as well as being a member of New Orleans Country Club and Baton Rouge Assembly. Bob was an avid reader, art collector and played bridge to keep his mind sharp. He also enjoyed hunting at the Coastal Club and spending his summers in the mountains of Colorado and North Carolina.

Despite all of his accomplishments, Bob was the last person to boast about himself or any of his achievements. He was a modest and humble man with a gentle soul. All those who knew him understood this and loved him for it. Above all, the most important things to Bob were his family and friends. He treasured the relationships he built throughout his life and the time he spent with those he loved. He will be dearly missed by all.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carole Crowell Pettit, his father, Robert Lee Pettit Sr and his mother, Margaret Brandon Pettit. He is survived by his wife, Alma Slatten Pettit; his children, Peyton Pettit Coates (Jonathon) of Tibbie, Alabama, Robert Lee Pettit III (Conway) of Baton Rouge, Mary Pettit Mozingo (Michael) of Baton Rouge; and his 10 adoring grandchildren: Bobby Pettit, Crossland Pettit, Lucy Jane Pettit, Charlie Pettit, Leven Greene, Lydia Greene, LR Greene, Deacon Mozingo, Camille Mozingo, and Mason Mozingo. He was preceded in death by his step-son, Bill Slatten (Jane) and survived by two stepchildren, Scott Slatten (Becky) and Elizabeth Healy (Dunbar), and nine step-grandchildren.

A service will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Metairie, Louisiana, on Friday, October 2, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 2216 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70001, or to a charity of your choosing.