Rev. John Green Pettis, age 89, of Bonifay, Florida passed away July 4, 2024, at his home. He was born November 22, 1934, in Geneva County, Alabama to the late Jessie Alvin and Nora Elizabeth Birge Pettis. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pettis was preceded in death by one son, Jimmy LaDon Pettis, a great-granddaughter, Molly Pettis, two sisters, Pacy Pettis and Ruth Carr, and five brothers, Lucky Pettis, Laney Pettis, David Pettis, Donnie Pettis, and Dewey Pettis.
John’s early years were spent working in the orange groves of South Florida, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land. He later transitioned to farming and cultivating crops with the same dedication he brought to all his endeavors. Seeking a new challenge, John founded an upholstery business, where his craftmanship and attention to detail earned him the respect and admiration of his community.
In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, John was committed to education and community service. He retired as a school bus driver in Bonifay, after many years of safely transporting children to and from school. His kindness and reliability made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students.
John’s most profound calling came in 1966 when he was ordained as a minister. Over the years, he pastored several congregations in Alabama and Florida, sharing the Word of God with passion and humility. His sermons were a source of inspiration and comfort, and his unwavering faith was a beacon of hope for many.
Rev. Pettis is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Eufaula Grant Pettis of Bonifay, FL; one son, Joey Pettis and wife, Pam of Headland, AL; a daughter-in-law, Camelia Pettis of Geneva Co, AL; seven grandchildren, Melissa Parrish and Linley of Bonifay, FL, Johnathan Pettis and Stacie of Samson, AL, Jason Pettis and Amy of Geneva, AL, Joni Bowen and Rodney of Gallatin, TN, Joe Don Pettis and April of Opp, AL, Jeffrey Pettis and Emily of Dothan, AL, Scotty Pettis of Headland, AL; fourteen great-grandchildren, Shawn Andrew Armstrong, Allison Armstrong, Kylee Carroll, Logan Parrish, Colton Pettis, Reagan Pettis, Jimmy Pettis, Paige Pettis, Tristen Pettis, Haylen Pettis, Madison Pettis, Maddox Pettis, Joel Bowen, and Elizabeth Bowen; eight great-great-grandchildren; six siblings, Inez Roach, Bonnie Smith, Lewey Pettis and Earline, and Charles Pettis; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 8, 2024, at Poplar Head Independent Freewill Baptist Church with Joey Pettis, Joe Don Pettis, and Jeffrey Pettis officiating. Interment will follow in the Poplar Head Independent Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 AM at Poplar Head Independent Freewill Baptist Church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Johnathan Pettis, Jason Pettis, Colton Pettis, Jimmy Pettis, Tristen Pettis and Shawn Andrew Armstrong.
