Obituary for Leon Petty
July 25, 1959 – May 23, 2023
Leon Petty, age 63, passed away on May 23 peacefully at his home. He was born in Chicago on July 25, 1959, the son of the late Fred and Flora (nee: McCray) Petty.
Leon moved with his family to Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School, class of 1977. He was employed by General Motors Corp. at the AC/Delco Plant in Oak Creek from 1979 until 2007 when the plant moved and Leon retired.
In 1986, a young lady by the name of Marilynn Woods caught his eye and on Aug. 19, 1989, her father, the late Rev. E. E. Woods united them in marriage. That union lasted 33 years until his passing.
In his younger years, Leon enjoyed playing golf, but his passion was horse racing at various race tracks and off-track betting. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. Leon was good-natured, very generous, and will be remembered for his kind heart and beautiful soul; he will be dearly missed.
Surviving to cherish his memories are his wife, Marilynn (Woods) Petty; daughters, Kayla Petty of Trevor, Wis., Sharhonda of Las Vegas, and Shakheirra of Racine; son, Kendall of Green Bay; 13 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He is further survived by sisters, Dorothy Jackson, Darlene Billups, Renee (Robert) Patterson of Racine, and Debra (Robert) Ard of Laurel, Miss.; brothers, Douglas Petty and Johnny Roberts of Racine, and Ronald Petty of Minneapolis, Minn.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; special friends Robin Wiggins, Darryl Scott, and Gregory Simmons.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Flora Petty;Â brothers, Curtis, Freddie, and Maurice; and sister, Patricia; father and mother-in-law, Rev. E. E. and Annie Woods.
Services
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on June 3 at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor A. D. Malone officiating. Private interment will be at Graceland Cemetery to be announced.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.
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