When we were growing up, Bill and Lenora became our cool Aunt and Uncle who visited and indulged us four (before there were five of us), with gifts of balloons maybe from Oak Rubber where Lenora worked? We always called Lenora “Aunt Nore”. I do not believe I even realized her real name till later in life. Bill had a brand new Camaro in the 60’s when I was young. He gave my sister and I a ride back to Ohio from West Virginia before there were interstates to travel on. I do not think Bill realized the precarious nature of a young child’s stomach and how the twisting, winding roads made motion sickness so much worse. This, along with his steadfast refusal to stop, meant that I was violently ill in his brand new prized vehicle. I do not recall being invited to ride in his car again. Later in life, he took my daughter, when she was young, (she is now 30) on a ride to see his horses. He told her a colorful tale of the horses’ legs being different sizes in order for them to stand on a hill. She still laughs when she remembers this story. It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing. It is the end of an era and he was the sole remaining immediate family member of my Dad’s. Out of all the siblings, Bill is the one that most reminded me of my dad. Underneath a gruff exterior, at times, lay a tender heart. Bill’s passing will leave a huge void in his family’s lives but I know they have some wonderful memories to give them comfort.

Posted by Cheryl Wert on January 14, 2021

Bill was an extraordinary hunter and good friend as this world could want. Even in his early eighties, Bill would take the task of walking around the hillside to drive deer to the waiting standers. He was proud of his squirrel hunting dog “Brownie” and so he should have been, in that, I have never seen any better. He liked to take a break from hunting to fix fried potatoes with onions along with an egg at the hunting camp. Of course a cup of stove top peculated coffee was offered. His lively stories of yesteryear brought the mountain folks of Frame Knob back to life for many a listener. I have had the good fortune of hearing some of those stories about the Pettit, Green, Beasley, and Cadle families to name a few. The colorful adventures of different individuals always brought a heartfelt laugh during the telling. Cash was mostly non-existing so growing, bartering and sharing was how the community went on its day to day existence. Hard work like stacking hay at the Duffield’s, timbering, gardening, and long walks to mining jobs were common. The numerous houses that dotted the mountain are no more and the mountaineers have long been gone. Sadly, I now have one more name to add the list of yesteryear: “Bill Jack Pettit”. I wish my good friend Bill, as we say in the navy, “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on his new journey.

Posted by Gene Church on January 12, 2021

Lenora and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. I thank God for the friendship I had with the Pettit family. Pat

Posted by Pat Church on January 11, 2021

I lost an uncle, friend, hunting and fishing buddy in Bill. I have hunted off and on with Bill since I was about 10 years old. 50 plus years. Even though he slowed down over the years, Bill could climb the hills and get through the woods better than anyone I know. I have heard my dad (Bill's brother), tell the story of Bill coon hunting so long and walk so much that his dogs would stop at peoples' houses to rest as he walking home from a hunt. He would have to lead them to get them to keep going. Over the years he graduated from getting up way before daylight, using a flashlight to find his deer stand to, "lets drink some coffee and wait until it warms up some, how about lets go out at about noon". But he was always ready to go. I noticed a change in Bill through the years. He used to be kinda, lets say grouchy, and had sort of a short temper. Liked to argue some. I saw this change after his kids were born. He mellowed out and became more patient and tolerant with everyone, including me. I always enjoyed our time together and will miss him dearly. Thank you Bill for being there when my own father passed away and for all your guidance and mentoring through the years.

Posted by Bruce Pettit on January 11, 2021