WILLIAM "BILL" PETTY
WEAVERVILLE - passed away peacefully at the age of 77, on the evening of January 17, 2013, at the John F. Keever Solace Center with family by his side. Before relocating to the mountains, Bill and his family resided in Miami and Ft. Myers, FL.
He enjoyed a very special life full of love, excitement and adventure. He was the first Killer Whale trainer on the East Coast and one of the first animal trainers to create a quadruple dolphin jump with each animal doing a different trick simultaneously. He developed a variety of innovative training techniques with sea mammals, working with Sea Lions to Dolphins to Killer Whales in many different events and locales from the NY World's Fair in 1964-65 to the end zone Dolphin tank during the undefeated season of the Miami Dolphins.
While he enjoyed swimming and diving, he also was an avid sailor and loved to race his catamaran throughout the USA and held many titles in his class. He loved his mountains and taking long walks in the woods with his family, especially with his wife and granddaughters. He embraced life to its fullest and taught his family to do the same. Bill was happiest when spending time with his family and watching his granddaughters play a favorite sport, as he was their biggest fan.
William is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Ray Petty; mother, Elsie Roderick Petty; brother, Merrill Petty, infant sister, Doris Raye Petty; sister, Nadine Perschy; brother in law, Pat Hingle and sister-in-law, Alice Hingle.
Surviving are his wife, Jamie Fincher Petty of the home; son, Bo Petty of Florida; daughter, Cindy Hawkins and husband, David, of Weaverville, NC; sisters, Rosamond McIntosh of Orlando, FL; Carolyn and husband, CJ Doane, of Valparaiso, IN; sisters-in-law, Joyce France of Hendersonville, NC, Julia Hussman and husband, Tom, of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Sabrina Dianne and Leah Samantha Hawkins, who were the apple of his eye, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
A private, family service will be held with dear friend and Chaplain, David Ingram, officiating.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mission Hospital, especially 5 Heart; Lynn Irvine, Home Health Nurse; Rick Halford, Physical Therapist, the many doctors, especially Dr.'s Melissa Hicks and Rhoda Brosnan, who worked so hard to find a cure. Their months of care and compassion will never be forgotten.
Condolences can be made online to www.ashevilleareaalternative.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I have fond memories from the first time I met Jamie, Bill & family. They welcomed me to the family even before I married into it. You are all in my prayers at this difficult time. I am sorry to lose such a great guy. I am looking at the pic of him with a dalphine & I have almost the same pic from the time I visited them with Merrill Edith & Richard. God Bless you all.
Sharon Petty
February 22, 2013
I have fond memories of visiting the family the summer Richard returned from Viet Nam. My prayers are with all of you at this time. It's funny I have a picture of Bill doing this very same thing from that visit. God be with you all.
Sharon Petty
February 22, 2013
Cindy, this obit was also in the Fort Myers Newspress
Love, Marian
February 13, 2013
Cindy and family
Thinking of you in a special way during this difficult time. My prayers are with you. Sounds like your dad lived an exciting and full filling life.
Dyrenda Blankenship
February 6, 2013
Bill was my best friend Bo's dad growing up on Victoria Drive in North Fort Myers. He helped us install the world famous rope swing and also made the gator go away that invaded our swimming hole. He provided guidance to us kids and kept us from getting into too much trouble. Him and Jamie also got me to my first golden gloves match when I missed the bus. I will never forget the nights Bo and I would come in from being out and hang around with Jamie and him and talk about anything and everything. He'd come play basketball with us and take us fishing too. He was the fun we all had whenever we hung at the Petty's. I will never forget his wit and understanding he had for us all. God bless you Bill and I'll see you when I get up there!
Dale Nottingham
February 1, 2013
He was an adventurer. Bedell always sent him for oysters "because you know how to talk to those folks". He could get along with almost everyone.
Carolyn Doane
January 30, 2013
Uncle Bill has been a big part of my life since 1945! His presence, even in his absence, was always in the Petty home at 1110 3rd St., Charleston, IL. I played with toys he left behind, including a jet-black, balsa-wood, jet he had had made. Bill gave me my first mutt-dog, Boots, when I was seven. He was there with Jamie at my first wedding. His brother and sisters provided many a great visitation, in Illinois, Florida, SC and NC. Bill's body belongs to earth now but his bigger-than-life influence will always be with me and all those who were blessed to have known him.
Richard Petty
January 30, 2013
Bill was such a sweet person and if I knew we were playing Leah, he was the first person I looked for to say hi. His smile and kindness just radiated from him. Praying for God to comfort you through this difficult time.
Amy, Taylor & Katie
January 29, 2013
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