Bruce Clarence Petty

Bruce C. Petty, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, in Houston, Texas. During his time on earth, he was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He loved life and never met a stranger. Bruce was preceded in death by Tina Petty, his wife of 51 years and his three brothers, Howard Petty, Martin Petty Jr. and Gordon Ray Petty. Bruce loved his family, and leaves behind his son, David Petty and his wife, Tiffany and two grandchildren Tyler and Kyle. He is also survived by his sisters, Freda Mack and Dian Esham of Vanceburg, Kentucky.

Bruce was born on November 30, 1928, in Vanceburg, Kentucky to Martin Fleming Petty and Mabel Aster Evans. On January 28, 1949, he married the love of his life, Tina Nell Richmond and began their wonderful journey together. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his country with distinction during the Korean War and in the Army reserves, being honorably discharged on March 12, 1960. Upon discharge, he began his career working for Cooper Bessemer.

He worked for Cooper Bessemer for over 35 years holding several positions, moving from Gove City, Pennsylvania to New Orleans, Louisiana then onto Houston, Texas, finally retiring as a regional manager for Cooper Cameron Corporation.

Bruce also had a passion for cars, and would spend weekends restoring them with his son David. Together, they rebuilt and restored four antique cars with the favorite being his 1928 Ford Model A.

Bruce will always be remembered as a thoughtful, selfless man who loved his grandkids and inspired them to reach for the stars. He loved hearing them tell stories of their sporting events, and was their biggest fan. Always putting service before self, he was a role model for how to give selflessly, love completely and lend a hand wherever it was needed. Bruce and David used to sit and watch John Wayne movies together, that is one thing David says he will miss most.