Mr. Robert Leslie Pettit Jr.

Bob was born to Robert and Mary (McWatters) Pettit in Newark, New Jersey on June 23, 1944. He graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1962. He then attended The University of Georgia where he graduated from The Terry College of Business. Though he had a successful career in sales, his greatest and proudest achievement was his family.

Bob married the love of his life, Barbara, in Jacksonville, Florida on August 8, 1981. In August 1982, they had their first child, Paige, followed by twins, Ryan and Casey, in September 1983. Barbara preceded Bob in death after a short battle with cancer in 2003. For the last twenty years, Bob played a pivotal role in his childrens' lives, sharing life lessons that were near and dear to Barbara's heart while showing endless love and sound advice to his kids.

Bob’s children and grandchildren were his crowning achievement. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Paige Richey (James) of Colleyville, Casey Pettit Penny (Alex) of Houston and son, Robert Ryan Pettit (Heidi) of Tyler; grandchildren Blake Leslie Richey, Lila Kate Richey, Emma Jeanne Penny, Rhodes Ryan Pettit, Nora Elyse Penny, Madelyn James Richey, Cameron Claire Pettit and Stafford Stone Pettit; his sister Judy Davidson (Steve) of Greer, South Carolina and many friends who were like family.

Bob was known for not holding back his opinion, showing up early, a strong personality and his welcoming smile. He always told you the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He valued the simple things in life: quality time with his family and friends, Georgia Bulldogs football, reading magazines, backyard BBQs, and an ice-cold Miller Lite. Bob never met a stranger and he truly enjoyed life. He often said, “it doesn’t take anything to be thoughtful” which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He had a witty sense of humor, voracious vocabulary and generous spirit. Bob adored his three children, their spouses and his eight grandchildren.

On his final day, he met his last grandson and was surrounded by his children, whom he cherished more than anything else in the world. This summer, his children and their families will celebrate his life near Jacksonville, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Pettit family.