Dr. George Albert Pettit Jr.

PETTIT West Bank Physician Practiced Medicine The Old-fashioned Way Dr. George Albert Pettit, Jr., 78, died peacefully at his home outside Atlanta, GA, on October 8, 2010. He was born in New Orleans on October 21, 1931, the only child of George Albert Pettit, Sr. and Kathryn Johanna Norton Pettit. A graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola University, he earned his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine, summa cum laude, in 1955. After completing an internship and residency at Barnes Medical Center in St. Louis, MO, he served in the Public Health Department at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. In 1959, he accepted an appointment as Instructor in Medicine at LSU Medical Center. He enjoyed teaching, and held this position for several years. Dr. Pettit began his private practice in internal medicine and cardiology in 1960, and continued to practice in Gretna until his retirement in 1995. In 1952, he married Mae Ruth Miller, and they remained together until her death in 2002. He is survived by their three children: Richard and John Pettit, and Elisabeth Berman; and four grandchildren: Rachel and Camille Pettit, and Stephen and Malcolm Berman. Dr. Pettit was much appreciated and trusted by his patients. He practiced medicine the old-fashioned way, typically spending as much time talking to his patients about their lives, interests, and opinions, as he did treating their medical problems. In his free time, he typically kept to himself, reading history or philosophy, or enjoying his passion for classical music and opera. A family member had this to say about him: He was a true original. When I talk about the fine Southern tradition of amusing eccentrics, he is first on my list. I knew I could always count on him to tell me things that were unusual and fascinating. He was usually holed up in his office, of course. But then he would emerge, and enlightening pronouncements would ensue! Then he would vanish again, behind the door. I will always remember him with the greatest fondness. The family would like to express their appreciation to his caregivers, Marie Sesay, Lori Page, and Carey Goins for their kindness and dedication during his long illness. Dr. Pettit was cremated and, per his request, no service was held. Memorial donations may be made to: The Dana Foundation and The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, 745 Fifth Ave., Suite 900, New York, NY 10151 http://www.dana.org/ContactUs.aspx; or, The National Endowment for the Arts, Attn: Carrie Holbo, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 618, Washington, DC 20506 http://www.nea.gov/support/index.html