Gerald Alton Pettit
Gerald Alton Pettit, born on September 21, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, peacefully passed away on March 4, 2024. He was the beloved son of Glen and Mary Pettit. Gerald attended Bendle Public Schools and later married his beloved Frankie Hayes on May 10, 1957.
Gerald worked as a semi-truck driver for GM until his retirement in 1985. He then relocated to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he found joy in fishing and became an active member of the Cornerstone Community Worship Center in Sarasota. A dedicated Detroit Lions fan, Gerald’s enthusiasm for his team was unwavering.
Gerald is survived by his loving sister, Beverly Clayton of Dexter, MO; his son, Gerald M Pettit; daughter, Patty (Jeff Albrecht) Richardson; six grandchildren, Robert (Diane) Taylor, Joe (Joanie) Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Rhys Shultz, Kyle (Jackie) Richardson, Owen (Jessica) Richardson, and Shantel Taylor; as well as twelve great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Frankie, daughter Christina Shultz, son-in-law Ronald Luzak, his parents Mary and Glen Pettit, and in-laws Claude and Lou Ann Hayes, sister Lorraine, brother Dean, and brother-in-law Lester Clayton.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team, nurses, and aides at MediLodge of Montrose for their compassionate care.
A celebration of Gerald’s life luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 16th, from 1-3 pm at Sam’s Italian Restaurant in Rankin, MI. Gerald will be remembered fondly for his kindness, love for his family, and dedication to his community. May he rest in peace
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
You will be missed
So, so glad we saw you last year. Peace and comfort to you all. Your cousins,
Mike sorry to connect we u this way but sorry for your loss Phyllis Pierson stay safe buddy
Beverly – this is George Edward Koehler, Jr., (born April 10, 1946 in Muskegon, MI); son of Lucille Margaret Pettit (1919-2008) (Muskegon, MI; Lansing, MI) and George Edward Koehler, Sr. , Muskegon, MI)(1911-1984). By pure chance I landed on the obituary page for Gerald (son of Glen and Mary). The last time I saw Gerald and your father Glen was in 1966 during Michigan deer hunting season at the Orchard campsite in the Ward Hills , 10 mi. west of Baldwin and 20 mi. east of Scottville. My dad and I spent several hours with Gerald and (Uncle) Glen sharing coffee, swapping stories and telling tall tales. The last time I saw your brother Dean was in Scottville in July, 2017 for a family reunion with Ruth Paul. After not having seen Dean for many years, my first question for him was – when you were racing stock cars – did you ever have a win unsuccessfully challenged because you changed the bolt sizes on the cylinder heads and the judges could not find the proper tools to tear down the engine. Dean laughed and laughed, and said he sometimes needed to “reach under the bench” in order to win. I now live at 1724 Dykhouse Ave. in Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616-846-8459). My wife is Londa (Bradish) and we have two sons – Nathan (Kentwood, Michigan) and Seth (Grand Haven, Michigan). Would enjoy hearing from you if you have time. Internet e-mail address is gkoehler@hotmail.com. I sure do miss those family reunions. George.