Arthur E. Petty Jr.
Arthur Edward Petty, Jr. 63, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 25, 2021. Arthur was born on August 2, 1957, to Ms. Zona Massey and the late Arthur E. Petty, Sr. He was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Olney High School, home of the Trojans, where he was a member of the gospel choir. He graduated with honors in 1975. Arthur was introduced to the Lord at an early age, regularly attending Revelation Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and choir member during his youth.
Arthur traveled the world while serving in the United States Navy for 20 years as an electronics technician. He retired in 1995 and received an honorable discharge. His electronic technician background extended into his hobbies; he enjoyed keeping up with the latest gidgets and gadgets. After retirement, Arthur spent time as a salesman for Paramount Builders, Navy Instructor, a substitute teacher, a radio technician at Raytheon. Arthur was employed for over 20 years with BAE Systems in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was known to his co-workers as “The Spontaneous Spender” because he would purchase everything on the silent auction table.
Arthur earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from St. Leo University in 2002.
Arthur loved the Lord and spent several years as a deacon at New Light Baptist Church (Chesapeake, Virginia). He was a genuine people person and would offer friendly conversation, words of advice, and encouragement to anyone he met. He was very kindhearted and the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. Arthur specifically had a soft spot for the youth, as he would often offer mentorship or a listening ear.
Arthur loved sports, especially all of the Philadelphia teams. Those were his favorites; he could tell you any and everything about the Eagles, the 76ers, and the Phillies. He collected a variety of Philadelphia sports memorabilia throughout the years. He enjoyed a good round of golf and playing video games, chess, basketball, pool, darts, dominoes, tennis, racquetball, bid whist and, many more.
Arthur was not a shy person; he was very social and outgoing. He remained connected with his Navy retiree group. He loved to sing, hum and whistle loudly, no matter where he was. His voice brought his family joy; it was sweet music to their hearts. Arthur enjoyed listening to various music genres; his favorite, Gerald Levert, and others to include the Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Eagles, Journey, and his hometown duo of Hall & Oates and Sister Sledge were amongst his favorites. Neighbors would often find him listening to music while detailing his vehicles.
Arthur was affectionately known as “Artie” to his closest family members.
Arthur loved to watch movies; westerns became his favorite when his father took him to the movies to see Five Car Stud as a boy. Arthur was a very stylish man. He enjoyed shopping and took great pride in his appearance. Arthur was a man of many talents and abilities, including juggling, being a “walking calculator,” occasional photographer, and an all-around handyman. Arthur’s mother influenced his love for cooking, hosting, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking and grilling. Steaks, sweet potato pies, potato salad, banana pudding and apple pies were some of his specialties and favorites at family gatherings.
Arthur and his wife Angela Petty were married for ten years. She was the love of his life. Arthur was a devoted and supportive family member and friend to all that knew him. Arthur would say that being a child of God, a supportive husband and a loving son, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather would be his greatest accomplishments. He adored his grandchildren and was a very involved grandfather. He loved them all very much and consistently showered them with his love, encouragement and, support.
Arthur leaves to cherish his memories his wife Angela, mother Zona, children Arthur (Erika), Ashley, Ashia (Adam), Mahru, and Myron (Tamia); 18 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother Gerald Hickson (Brunetta); sisters Angela D. Petty, Andrea Davenport and Jackie Petty and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and, friends.
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Gary Freeman says
May 29, 2021 at 9:39 amLoss is such a hard thing, and my prayers go out to the family and specifically to me life long friend Arthur, son of Mr. Petty. Praying for peace in the midst of this time for you all!
Dante Jones says
May 29, 2021 at 11:26 amI am sorry for your loss. Art, was such a great person, He will live on in our memories forever. My heartfelt condolences.
Therese Jones says
May 29, 2021 at 11:50 amSo sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was such a lovely man. Deepest condolences to all the family.
Robert Herzog says
May 29, 2021 at 12:13 pmI had the greatest respect for Art…still do. I will miss our conversations about the Lord, as well as our lunchtime chess games. He was a man of faith and is dancing with Jesus.
Miss you brother…
Trudy Edler says
May 29, 2021 at 3:29 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. My prayers are with the family. He was always full of life and I’ll cherish our Monday morning football “discussions”. Rest easy dear friend.
John Wiltfong says
May 29, 2021 at 5:25 pmAlways walking around with a smile, he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time.
Ken McGuffee says
May 29, 2021 at 6:34 pmArt will be truly missed by many, his welcoming personality and cheerful demeanor stood out in any room. He has touched the hearts and lives of many and will continue to watch over us from heaven. I am praying for all of the family and friends in this time of sorrow.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Mark Kowieski says
May 29, 2021 at 9:26 pmMy deepest sympathies to the family. Art made a difference in the world, professionally and personally. Our Special Operating Forces were better because of his work and he represented BAE Systems well. His kind smile and work ethic were unmatched. He genuinely cared about every person he met. Heaven – 1 Earth – 0.
Amanda Stull says
May 30, 2021 at 11:48 amMy deepest condolences to Art’s family and friends. He was so encouraging and I learned a lot from him. Art was witty, well dressed, always smiling, and had a great mindfulness about him. Wishing for peace in the hearts of his loved ones.
Dani Prieur (Holmes) says
May 31, 2021 at 6:51 amMy most heartfelt sympathies to Art’s loved ones. I’m grateful to have been colleagues; he was a hard worker, great conversationalist, always smiling, and we shared many great laughs that I’ll cherish. During this difficult time, I wish his loved ones peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Dee Mackey says
May 31, 2021 at 3:53 pmOur condolences to the Petty family.
Art was my coworker at Raytheon and Alway’s had a smile and great conversation, and he was a sharp dresser.
He will be truly missed and my prayers will continue for the family.
May God’s Peace and Strength,and Comfort Be with you All.
Much love and Blessings
Donny Matherne says
June 1, 2021 at 6:22 amMy deepest condolences and prayers goes out to Angie and Art’s family.
I will miss you my friend and our talks. The original Petty One Man Air Band that always made everyone smile, has left the stage.
Rest in peace my brother!
Joseph Johnson says
June 2, 2021 at 5:15 pmTo The Petty Family, You Have Our Deepest Condolences, In The Loss O f Your Love One, God Bless The Johnson Family
Katie Magill McLaughlin says
June 1, 2021 at 7:17 amMy deepest condolences to Angela and Family. I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Art. He was such a sweet soul. I will miss getting random work calls from Art, and answering the phone to “Hey best friend, it’s me again”. He was such a wonderful man, and managed to brighten my day even when he was miles away. Sending lots of love and prayers to Angela, and his entire family. He will be missed.
Denise Darleen Mendoza says
June 1, 2021 at 7:33 amAll my deepest sympathies to Angela and family. Art will be very much missed. He could always make me laugh and brightened our day with his visits to the department. He was wonderful to work with and always had that beautiful smile. Rest in peace my friend.
Eric Dominek says
June 1, 2021 at 7:53 amI’m absolutely heartbroken for Angela and the Petty family. Art was really a special guy who clearly made an impact in this world. Every time I crossed paths with him and saw his smile I couldn’t help but reciprocate – and he was an absolute joy to chat with. He brightened our lives. Everyone here in his “BAE Systems’ family” would say the same. We miss him terribly already, and we’ll always be here for Angela. May his kind soul rest in peace.
Linda and George Walton says
June 1, 2021 at 8:01 amOur hearts and prayers go out to Angela and family during this trying time. Art was a fantastic person and such a ray of sunshine each time we talked! We will miss you my friend….
Jean Martin says
June 1, 2021 at 9:27 amI was shocked and heart broken to hear of Art’s passing. He was a big kind teddy bear. Art always had a smile on his face and kind words. He was such a joy to be around. We could be having a stressful day in the Admin Department and he would come in and make our day brighter. It was a true blessing to have known Art and he will be dearly missed. Sing in God’s choir now my friend. To Angie and the Petty family may God bless you all and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Mike Bushey says
June 1, 2021 at 9:32 amMy heartfelt condolences go out to Angela and the Petty Family. Gone too soon, but fondly remembered. I truly enjoyed the time we shared and the chats we had. I’m blessed to have known you. Thank you. You will be sorely missed my friend.
Deserai Anaya says
June 1, 2021 at 9:36 amSending your family prayers and condolences. Don’t let go of your precious memories – they’ll get you through this difficult time. Art shed a positive light with his presence that was infectious to others.
God bless you and your family, and I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve.
Teresa Kizer says
June 3, 2021 at 4:00 pmMy heart is saddened by the loss of my Brother-in-law Art . It’s still hard to believe but I know GOD makes no mistakes and to my Sister Angie and the rest of the family may GOD continue to keep his loving arms of Protection around you all as you go through this transitional time.
Keeping each and everyone of you in my thoughts and prayers daily. May GOD’S LOVE continue to be with the entire family in the name of Jesus 🙏🏽
Ronald E Furbish, Sr says
June 1, 2021 at 11:00 amSorry to hear that my old friend, roommate, shipmate has passed away. My the wind always be at his back and I hope the good lord is ready for him! Farewell my friend, you will be missed!!
Jamie Mullen (Andes) says
June 1, 2021 at 12:37 pmSending lots of love and prayers to Angie and the rest of the family. Art was hands down one of my favorite people at BAE. We shared so many laughs and he was such an all around amazing guy.
Lisa Marl says
June 1, 2021 at 2:37 pmPlease accept my heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. All of the old-timers will miss his friendliness and how he cheered us all. I will miss our early morning conversations around the coffee pot at work.
Andrea Gregory says
June 1, 2021 at 4:47 pmI am so sorry to hear about Art’s passing. He was one of my favorite people and when I think back to the time we spent together it puts a smile on my face. To Angie and the rest of the family I send my deepest thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Clarence Pitts says
June 2, 2021 at 10:39 amI’m so sorry for your lost, Art will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult times.
glen Jackson says
June 3, 2021 at 8:07 amMy heart and prayers go out to the family. I already miss you Mr Art.
Pearl Bryan says
June 3, 2021 at 8:34 amI will miss the laughs we shared. My heart goes out to Angela and the entire Petty family.
Rick Cease says
June 3, 2021 at 1:07 pmMy deepest sympathies for your loss. I have spent the last few days thinking about the impact of Art’s consistent smile and good nature and fond memories of the time we shared on our Myrtle Beach golf trips. He will be sorely missed but it’s comforting to know he is enjoying a well deserved rest. Angie and the family will be in our prayers.
Rayumond Zeigler says
June 16, 2021 at 12:14 amI was saddened to hear of Art’s passing. My wife and I are praying for the family. We had some interesting moments at work in New Kent. Art will be missed greatly, Blessings to his family!
DC2 Bruce says
January 29, 2023 at 7:50 pmFrom the Family of the USS Tortuga LSD-46 we are so proud to call you Family! You guided and molded so many! See you soon in Heaven! Much love to all.
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