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PONTIAC – Raymond H. Pettit, 97, of Pontiac, IL died Monday, March 25, 2019, at 4:49 AM at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.
His funeral will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019, at 12:00 PM at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Pontiac, IL, with Rev. Tom Goodell, of the First United Methodist Church officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the hour of services. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 12:30 PM at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL with Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh officiating.
Memorials in Ray’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church of Pontiac, IL or to Livingston County Humane Society.
Ray was born on March 3, 1922, in Sterling, IL, the son of Ray C. and Lura (Atwood) Pettit. He married Fern E. Allen on December 30, 1945, in Sterling, IL. She survives in Pontiac, IL.
Also surviving is one son, Dr. Reid (Denise) Pettit of Parker, CO and one daughter, Gayle (Tim) Davis of Streator, IL; four grandchildren, Laura (Ron) Bright, Kimberly (Joshua) Matsko, Lindsay (Noah) Unzicker, and Jessica (David) Hall; one great-grandson, Wayne Unzicker; two step-great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by three sisters.
Ray was educated in Sterling schools, graduating with the wonderful S.H.S. class of 1940. Ray was president and CEO of Rock Falls Savings and Loan for 23 years, retiring in 1985. He was very active in community affairs and was most proud of his 2000 volunteer hours at OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac, IL. He was past commander of the Sterling American Legion Post #296, past president of Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, and co-chairman of Rock Falls United Way. He was twice elected treasurer of the City of Pontiac in the 1960’s. He also served as chairman for the transition committee from Fourth Street Methodist Church in Sterling to the new Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pontiac.
A veteran of WWII, he served our country in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a sports enthusiast, having been a golfer since his teenage years and a long time member of Rock River Country Club and the Pontiac Elks Country Club. He had two holes in one, the latter of which happened at age 85. He was a long time collector of golf memorabilia and old coins.
He will be dearly missed by his wife and family.
This obituary may be viewed and guest book signed at calvertmemorial.com