Funeral services for John Petty, 78, of Zephyr will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Jim Looby officiating. Burial will follow at the Zephyr Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the funeral home. Mr. Petty passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
John was born on May 24, 1947, in Brownwood, Texas to George Sidney Petty Jr. and Edna Luene (Stebbins) Petty of Zephyr. John attended school in Zephyr. In 1966, during the Vietnam war, John joined the Navy in services of his country. Upon discharging from the Navy, John returned home. Shortly afterward, John met Nancy Hillegas and her children. John and Nancy married on July 2, 1971 in Mexico. On August 12, 1972, John and Nancy moved in to the home they shared together, had two more girls, and raised their children. John worked for 33 years at 3M in the maintenance department and retired in 2004. After retiring from 3M, John did custom farming for others as well as taking care of his cows, sheep, and property. John was a life-long resident of Zephyr, Texas.
John loved doing farm work, but most of all he loved his family. He was a giving, caring person and was always willing to help someone in need. John was sometimes described as a gentle giant. He was a big man, with a bigger heart, and most of the time he had a big smile on his face. He loved his girls and his grandchildren tremendously and would have given the shirt of his back to make sure they were taken care of. John continued to live in the home he made until the day of his passing.
Those left behind to cherish his memories are his children, Lisa Henderson of Gatesville, Peggy Petty of Zephyr, Jennifer and Timothy Ryan of Brownwood; grandchildren Gary and Mary Henderson, Leslie Henderson, Danielle and Kutter Cross, Ashley Ryan, Katie Reagan and Michael Marrow, Craig Ryan; great grandchildren Kadence, Rylane, Sarah, and Connor; sister Susan and Darrell Bills of Snyder, Texas.
John was preceded in Death by his parents, his wife, and his brother Hollis Petty.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
