Hezikah Petty

 Mr. Hezikah Petty was born on October 15, 1925 as 1 of 6 children born to Neal and Annie Petty of Waterproof, LA.  He spoke often of during his childhood how they had to rise early and get to work.

Mr. Petty was drafted into the Navy where he served 4 years at sea during World War II.  Upon his honorable discharge he moved to Flint, Michigan where he lived for nearly 30 years and developed many special friendships and bonds that are still present today.  While he was there, he began work as a crane operator, then transitioned into his long career as a truck driver for nearly 40 years until retirement.

Mr. Hezikah Petty found his way to and resided in South Bend, IN. where he met and married Ms. Viola Williams and fathered 3 children.  After some time, he returned to his hometown where he proudly served his role as brother, uncle, and friend.  About 9 years ago he returned to South Bend to spend the rest of his years with his family.

Mr. Hezikah Petty affectionately known as Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Head, Uncle Petty, Big Daddy and to many in his hometown as Lemon loved spending time with his family,   going fishing, out to eat, playing a quiet game of Solitaire, dominoes, watching westerns and in his earlier years he loved working on cars and of course being on the road.  He also enjoyed attending church services at New Horizon’s Outreach Ministry. Which he did until he became too weak to do so.

Mr. Petty often said he had no regrets concerning his life.  Although in his latter years he had a couple of complaints. 1 being when he was unable to no longer find a restaurant that served frog legs.  He would often say “down home I didn’t have to pay for them… I could just go outside and get ‘em.”  And 2 is when he had to have walking assistance by way of using a walker.  He fought hard against it and in the end, he won.

 Mr. Hezikah Petty 94 of South Bend, Indiana departed this life warm and peacefully in his bed on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at home where he resided with his daughter and family.

He leaves to cherish his memory wife, Viola M. Petty of South Bend, IN.  2 children Joseph (Adriana) Petty, Annie (Roger Jr.) Cotton of South Bend, IN.  8  grandchildren Matthew Cotton, Rishod Cotton, Jessica Cotton, Josiah Cotton, Jelani Cotton, Reba Robinson, and Brianna Robinson  all of South Bend, IN.  and Jaylen Devon-Scott Knapp-Petty of Granger, IN. 2 brothers, Harry (Mary Sue) Petty of Houston, TX., Alonzo (Audrey) Petty of St. Joseph, LA. A sister, Christine Petty Johnson of Waterproof, LA.  and a sister-in-law, Allie Johnson of South Bend. Along with a host of nieces, nephews spread in many states, and a goddaughter he affectionately spoke of often, Ms. Rochelle Stephens of Athens, LA.

Mr. Petty was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Neal Petty Sr., a sister, Josephine White all of Louisiana and a son, Hezikah Scott Petty of South Bend, IN.

Mr. Petty will truly be missed for his straightforward look at life.  He believed money was for spending, food was for eating and we all must leave this world one day.  He said he did what he wanted to and bought whatever he wanted no matter the cost. You cannot take it with you. Live Now.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, Indiana. Palmer Funeral Home--Bubb Chapel is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the Petty family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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