Joe was born March 17, 1943 in Memphis, TN to Joe Petty and Mary Ann Harris. He graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1961 and attended Memphis State College. In 1962, he met Sarah Woratzeck and they married in 1963. He and Sarah were married for 58 years and have 3 children, Karen, Jay and Mark. He was a 30 year veteran of the Memphis Fire Department.
Always ready with a joke or silly story, Joe was known for his sense of humor. He tried out new material on everyone and his old favorites on new friends. He was also known for his servant heart. Joe was the first to begin work on a project, organize a work team, or check on people that he felt were in need of help. He worked tirelessly at his church, Providence Baptist Church of Bartlett, formerly Hollywood Baptist Church, for more than 50 years, serving as a deacon and on numerous committees keeping things running smoothly.
Anyone that knew him, knew he loved and served his family well. Joe is predeceased by his parents, Joe Petty and Mary Ann Harris Taylor and his brother Joseph Mark Petty. He leaves his brothers Gary Petty and Darryl Petty and his sister, Barbara S. Petty. Joe is survived by his wife, Sarah and daughter, Karen Pavatte (Allen) of Madison, MS, sons Jay Petty of Atoka, TN and Mark Petty (Janina) of Oak Harbor, WA; grandchildren, Mason Pavatte, Reece Pavatte, Jake Pavatte, Tyler Petty, Logan Petty, Blake Petty, Dawson Petty, Gavin Petty and Tori Willett; and 4 great grandchildren.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Providence Baptist Church of Bartlett. A gathering of Family and Friends will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM at Providence Baptist Church. There will be a celebration of Joe’s life Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Providence Baptist Church with burial to follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Petty family.
