Burnie Petty

Burnie Petty

Evergreen Community- Burnie Petty, age 93, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1932, to Mayo Petty and Velma Smith Petty.

Burnie proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of First Sergeant (E-8). During his distinguished military career, he served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His service was recognized with numerous honors and decorations, including service medals for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; the National Defense Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Marksman Award; Medal of Honor; Purple Heart Medal; and Bronze Star Medals for bravery and meritorious service. Burnie deeply valued his time in the Army and enjoyed sharing stories and memories from his years of service with those around him.

Following his military retirement, Burnie worked as an electrician at Air Cap for 19 years before retiring once again. He was a faithful member of Evergreen Baptist Church, where he found great comfort and fellowship.

Burnie enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading his Bible, and spending meaningful time with his family. Above all, he cherished his loved ones and the life he built alongside them.

Burnie was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Judy Ford Petty, on May 24, 1976. They shared 50 years of marriage together and made their home in the Evergreen community, where Burnie resided for more than 17 years.

Burnie Petty will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his strong faith, his love for family, and his unwavering sense of duty.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Petty; children, Charles Ray Petty (Kay) of Smithville, Christine Tinker (Randy) of Mount Morris, Michigan, C K Petty (Lisa) of Amory, Cecilia Wendlandt (Eric) of Saginaw, Minnesota, Tracy Brasel of Cordova, Alabama, and Donella Wright (Mitchell) of Mooreville; grandchildren, Richard Petty , Kathy Houston, Deidre Buchanan , Courtney Roy, Trevor Tinker, Justin Tinker, Ashley Phillips, Leigh Ann Williams, Ivy Huffman, Jasmine Huffman, Destin Schillaci, Dakota Smith, Whitney White, Emma Petty, Alena Petty, Kolton Petty, and Ava Kate Petty; great-grandchildren, McKenzie Hunter, Skylar Phillips, Ryleigh Griffith, Maddie Schillaci, Ashley Schulker, Aaron Petty, Tyler, Triston, Aubrie, Anna, Emma, Madelyn, Samuel, Cheyenne, Savannah, Trenton, Gage, Lea, Addison, Adam, Kenzie, and Braxton; great-great-grandchildren, Parklyn, Haddi Joe, Haston, Raulston, Paizleigh, Mac, Jax, and Myla; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Smith Petty and Mayo Petty; sister, Evelyn Keys; and three brothers, Rex, Robert Lee, and Henry Petty.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mr. Petty will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Richard Trotter officiating. A graveside service will follow at Priceville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michell Oglesby, Richard Petty, Aaron Petty, Dakota Smith, Joseph Schillaci, Matthew White, and Wade Phillips.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.