Donald "Don" Pettry

Donald (Don) Burl Pettry died March 9, 2013 after a brief illness. Don was born December 10, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to John Sidney Pettry and Emeline Haught Pettry. He served in the U.S. Army and earned his degree in Chemistry at Abilene Christian College. Don married Virginia Iris Spence of Poteet, Texas, in 1949, and they resided in Pennsylvania where he was employed as a chemical engineer for Firestone Chemical Company. In 1959, Don was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was employed by Flexible Products Company in research and development, then in technical sales. Among his many achievements there, he helped to create and revolutionize the use of plastisol inks and the screen printing processes we know and use today. For his ingenuity, creative thinking, product knowledge, and dedication, he received the "Howard Parmele Award" in 1995. He enjoyed the industry so much that he remained active as a consultant and made yearly treks to the conventions to offer his expertise. He also hosted for the company at the Master's Golf Tournament for many years. Don served as senior vice president until his early retirement due to the illness of his wife Iris. After her death, Don married Christine Hale and relocated to Gainesville, Florida. Don enjoyed serving the Lord, participated in mission work, and was always an active Church of Christ member. While in Marietta, Georgia, he helped to found several congregations and was a member of East Cobb Church of Christ. In Gainesville, he was affiliated with the High Springs Church of Christ and was a member of the University Church of Christ. He loved travel (visiting 69 countries), was an award- winning competitive swimmer in his youth, could beat anyone at ping-pong, was a wonderful song leader for many years, and was an avid and excellent golfer. Don recently lost his older brother and best friend Dale K. Pettry as well as his sister Audrey Gardner. His sister, Naomi Tome, of Abilene, Texas, survives him along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Don is survived by his loving wife Christine and her children Carol Hale (widow of Johnny Hale) of Gainesville, Florida; Debra Hatch (husband Lee) of Branford, Florida; Tommy Hale (wife Kelly) of Val Rico, Florida; and their families. He is also survived by his children: John of Asheville, North Carolina; David of Anchorage, Alaska; Donna Cole (husband Tom) of Tucker, Georgia; Robbie Sibley (husband Quintus) of Highlands, North Carolina; James (wife Lori) of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Kathy Kucifer (husband Ken) of Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren Annie Pettry, Cody Pettry, Ayla Pettry, Nicholas Masters, Jason Pettry, Samantha Pettry, Max Pettry, Tyler Kucifer, Kayla Kucifer, Samala and Serena Hirst; and five great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at University City Church of Christ and a funeral will be held at East Cobb Church of Christ in Marietta, Georgia. Those details to be announced.

Donald "Don" Pettry

March 11, 2013