John L. Petty Jr., 82, of Walnut Ridge, passed from this life on Monday, October 14, 2024, at his residence. He was born March 3, 1942, in St. Charles, MO to the late J.L. Petty and Helen Miller Petty. He graduated from Kennett, MO High School, and was a graduate of Columbia University in Jefferson City, MO. He was united in marriage to Betty Dame on August 23, 1964, in Sedgwick. John and Betty were blessed to have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year together. John was a member of the Church of God, A Worldwide Association. He served as a deacon for many years.  He was a shop teacher, property service manager, as well as a case manager and foundry operator in his lifetime. John was also proud to serve as a volunteer firefighter for the Sedgwick Fire Department. He had a license to operate ham radios, was a member of the Spokesman Club, and he loved to go fishing.

John is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of the home, Betty; sons, Charles S. Petty (Valerie) of Sedgwick, Corwin D. Petty of Bentonville; brother Jim Petty (Linda) of Jefferson City, MO; sister, Judy Elliott (Bruce) of Lake of the Ozark, MO; grandchildren, Stephann Nicole Miller, Christen Lewis, Chase Petty, Colton Petty, Emma Rae Petty; great-grandchild Jaxtyn Miller, a host of other family members and special caregivers Kaylynn Jones and Bailee Arnold.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with services to immediately follow at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. Justin Adkins will officiate. Interment will follow at Old Military Cemetery in Sedgwick. All arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Charles S. Petty, Corwin D. Petty, Chase Petty, Colton Petty, Rylee Lewis, and Jace Miller.