George Leroy Pettis

George Leroy Pettis, Sr., devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle was born June 22, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the sixth of seven children born to Otis and Gladys Pettis.George, who was always called “Bubby”, was educated in Baltimore City Schools. He attended Baltimore City College and graduated Valedictorian in 1959. That same year, he enrolled in Howard University. He was an honor student - studying to become a doctor. However, after two years, he left college and joined the United States Air Force, where he continued his college education. Because of his leadership ability and intelligence, he was quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 1970, Bubby was honorably discharged from military service. While stationed in Florida, Bubby met and married Frankie Pettis on December 5, 1964. To this marriage were born a son and a daughter. Bubby and Frankie were two-halves that made a complete whole. Rarely would you see one without the other. On Monday, April 9, 2007, and after forty-three years of marriage, this union of love was broken. Bubby was a faithful, committed and dedicated employee. After his military service, he began his career at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Other opportunities became available and he went to work with Provident and Union Memorial Hospitals, respectively. However, Johns Hopkins realized his value as an employee and brought him back. He remained at Johns Hopkins Hospital until his retirement in 2001. Bubby was a Pathologist and worked on special cancer research. Often, he was asked to give seminars and lecturers on his findings. Bubby joined the Masons in 1971 and on July 14, 1973, he became a Grand Master. He held this position for seventeen years with four Grand Matrons. He loved this organization and worked tirelessly to accomplish its goals. Some of his accomplishments included: Member of the Queen of the South, Exalted Degree, Shriner’s Department and President of the Grand Joint Executive Board. He currently held the position of Worshipful Master of New Pilgrim Lodge #5. He was the only 33rd Degree Master in the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons in the State of Maryland and carried the title of “The Illustrious George L. Pettis.”Bubby was truly a special person. His quiet and soft-spoken mannerism drew people to him. He was easy going, even-tempered, witty, and had a humble spirit. For many he was a counselor, mentor, encourager and friend who was always there with a listening ear and a big and caring heart. His warm smile and laughter would always lift a heavy burden. Bubby loved people. Bubby was born into a deep-rooted Christian family of Faith and he began his spiritual walk early in life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, was baptized under the ministry of George A. Crawley, Jr. and a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. Bubby was a great husband and father who took his responsibilities seriously, as the head of his household, according to Biblical principles. He was a good provider to his family and their source of support and strength. Bubby loved family. He looked forward to the family getting together and holidays were his favorite times. He always had a joke or story to tell and family members were eager to hear the words of wisdom and knowledge he shared. Bubby was coorganizer of the yearly Pettis Family Reunion and last year, 2006, was the best and most memorable reunion ever held. Bubby was also well known, loved and highly respected in his community and organizations. He was a rare jewel in these days and times and a good example of what a man should be. The legacy he left will continuously live on through those that knew and loved him. The race for GEORGE L. PETTIS, SR., ended suddenly on Monday, April 9, 2007. Instantly, he took off mortality, put on immortality, and is now in his eternal heavenly home. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. His mother, Gladys and father, Otis; his sisters, Christine, Evelyn and Francis; brothers-in-law, Clarence and Herbert; niece, Sandra; nephews, Aaron and Shelton; and his lifetime friend, Wilbert, have all preceded him in death. Bubby leaves to mourn: his wife, Frankie; son, George Jr.; daughter, Erica Bryant (Joseph); grandchildren, Ryan, Eric and Jaelen; brother, Lawrence Pettis (Neffie); sisters, Agatha Shanks and Marion Pettis; sisters-in-law, Mary Jackson (Atlanta) and Evelyn Thomas (Alabama); brother-in-law, James Thomas (Las Vegas); nephews, Herbert Jr. (Lorraine), Anthony, Kevin (Rochelle), Clarence, Steven (Linda), Marvin, Lawrence (Charity), Jonathan and Scott; nieces, Patricia, Sharon, Carolyn (Eric) and Ashley; and a host of other relatives, lodge brothers and sisters and friends.

Tributes

George Leroy Pettis

June 22, 1941 - April 9, 2007