John Pettis

John Willis Pettis, 92, of Fairmont, passed away Saturday (Jan. 9, 2010) at the Arbors of Fairmont.He was born in Montrose, Ga., on Sept. 16, 1917, a son of the late Isaac Wade Pettis and Daisy Dean Pettis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Maxine Swain Pettis, on May 19, 1997.Mr. Pettis was a retired Baltimore and Ohio Railroad conductor with more than 48 years of service. Following his retirement from the railroad, he was employed at Huntington Bank for 10 years as a courier. He served his country honorably as a World War II Army veteran, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant and serving in the European Theater Operations in Germany and France. He also received the Purple Heart while serving overseas. He was a member of the United Transportation Union and the VFW Post No. 629 of Fairmont. Mr. Pettis enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as woodworking in his spare time.Mr. Pettis is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Terry Lee and Judy Pettis of Fairmont. Three grandchildren survive: Kimberly Pettis King of Pittsburgh, Pa., Kasie Snyder and her husband Darrin of Virginia Bach, Va., and Kendall Pettis and his wife Myra of Fairmont. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren: William and Emily King, Allie and Katie Snyder, and Kendra and Kyle Pettis.In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Pettis was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.The family has entrusted Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, with arrangements. A private family viewing will be held at the Ford Chapel with graveside services following at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Morgantown, with the Rev. Harley Mayfield officiating. The Marion County Veterans Council will conduct full military rites graveside. The family requests memorials be made to the Fairmont Soup Opera, 425 Quincy St., Fairmont, WV 26554.Condolences may be made to the family at www.ford funeralhomes.com.