William "Bill" H Petty
Class of 57
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Died: Jun 18, 16
William "Bill" Petty, Sr. Hendersonville, TN On March 27, 1939,
Stephen and Ella (Big Mom) Petty welcomed their son, William Harold,
into this world in the walls of a boxcar on the rails of Old
Hickory. Brother to Ruth and Bob, and raised in a home that he
helped build one bent and straightened nail at a time on McArthur
Drive, deep in the heart of Dog Patch, friendships that remain to
this day were firmly cast for Billy Petty in Miles of journey and
with a lot of Luck along the river -- digging up skulls, catching a
shark and trading cars - all set to a backdrop of music as you laid
a foundation playing bass with your buddies and danced on the Opry
Stage.
As "Bill", you applied the strength in your hands to all that you
did: grocery store sweeper, shot putter, discus thrower, auto
upholsterer, grenade launcher. Then, on the dance floor of the
American Legion Post in Inglewood, you met her, a lovely young woman
with dark brown hair who loved to dance as much as you - Jane Ann
Tucker. The rest was history…and the future for those of us lucky
enough to know you.
Barrels and stakes became a passion on the back of a spotted named
Apache, and a job at DuPont offered stability as your family of 2
became 3 with the arrival of a son and a slight change to your
signature. You became a Senior, for this little boy would claim the
honor of your name - Billy. Three years later, 3 would become 4. A
beautiful daughter, Tracy Leigh, trotted her way into your life and
your heart.
You worked the only way you knew for 37 years: hard…sometimes too
hard. And, with Jane ever by your side, you demonstrated over the
course of more than 50 years your own unique language of love.
Through your powerful, grip-crushing hands, you passed along
experience and skills. Camping. Fishing. Riding a bike. Flying a
kite. Shooting a basketball. Hitting a softball. Then, driving a
car. Changing out brakes or spark plugs. Setting points. Building a
deck. Driving a boat…as it sank…in the lake.
Holding a child…especially a grandchild.
You played four or six strings at every opportunity. Truth be told,
there are some that would not know you without the Fender Mustang in
your hands, or 9 Pound Hammer ringing from every guitar you ever
held. Your bass voice bellowed in Southern Gospel celebration.
You laughed, and we laughed with you. Jokes and stories and puns
were ever present, as was the raucous, belly-shaking laugh that
broke loose before you could even finish. The Liars Club was never
the same.
And…you danced. Oh, how you danced. Your strong hands gently leading
Mom across the floor in an endless cycle of steps and turns and
spins. You danced your way into the lives of so many, and your
memory dances in our minds even now.
Coach. Mentor. Operator. Story Teller. Life Coach. Best Friend.
Advisor. Mr. Fixit. Dr. Quack.
Child of God. Papa. Daddy. Husband. Bill Petty, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested monetary donations to
White House High School, 508 Tyree Springs Road, White House, TN
37188 in memory of Bill Petty, Sr. Please be sure to indicate that
your gift is in memory of Bill Petty, Sr.
The Life Celebration was held earlier this week at Hendersonville
Funeral Home. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=william-petty-bill&pid=180388392&fhid=14210#sthash.r3a5UOIG.dpuf
Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Chapel Tuesday June
21, 2016 3:00pm to 6:30pm
Life Celebration: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Chapel Tuesday
June 21, 2016 6:30pm to 7:00pm
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