Pettit, William Charles

William Charles Pettit, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, April 23, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Teahen Funeral Home by Pastor Tim Carter. Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit after 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

William is survived by five children, Charles (LaDonna) of Vinton, Doyle (Rachel) of Atkins, Sandra (Dennis) Ary and Diane (John) Poorman, both of Vinton, and Kevin (Michelle Peirce) of Newhall; 15 grandchildren, Tiffiny, Shannon, Greg, Veria, Travis, Gabe, Angela, Rebecca, Tia, Rachel, Chris, Bill, Benjamin, Ronald and Emmalea; many great and great-great-grandchildren; sister, LaVonne Speed of Sioux City; special friend, Phil Riffey of Urbana; and special friend and companion, Evelyn Johansen of Cedar Rapids.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Emma on June 11, 1989; grandson, Nathan; and five siblings.

William was born Aug. 20, 1925, in rural Fayette, the son of Willie and Emma (Carlton) Pettit. He married Emma Gipper on Nov. 15, 1947 in Independence. He worked at Wilson's Meat Packing as a meat cutter for over 35 years and owned a summer trailer park in Harpers Ferry, Iowa.

William loved to fish, camp, mushroom hunt, go boating and spending time with his family especially on summer family vacations. He was known as a practical joker who always tried to outdo his friends.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at .

Published in  The Gazette April 25, 2012.