William Granville Petty

William “Bill” Granville Petty, 91, of Jackson, Tenn., passed away on August 7, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on September 23, 1934, in Jackson, Tenn. to Granville Alley “G.A.” and Eula Beatrice Krannichfeldt Petty where he grew up off South Royal St. In young adulthood, Bill found roller skating. One of the greatest blessings of his life began at the Bemis Skating Rink, where he worked as a floor guard and met the love of his life, Bonnie Sue Smith. United by their shared love of roller skating, their friendship quickly blossomed into a lifelong romance. Together, Bill and Bonnie built a beautiful life and shared 71 years of devoted marriage, setting an example of love, commitment, and faithfulness for all who knew them.

Bill proudly served his country in the National Guard for 26 years, retiring in 1977 as a Master Sergeant. His years of service were a source of great pride, and he often shared cherished memories of summers spent at Guard Camp where he developed bonds with fellow Guardsmen that endured their lifetimes. His time in the National Guard took him near and far, including his time in Memphis during the Sanitation Workers Strike, and ultimately the tragic death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outside of his personal life and military service, Bill was dedicated to his task. At 15 years old, Bill assisted a delivery driver loading and unloading bottles of Coca-Cola. This would lead to a 42-year-long career with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company where Bill retired in Management in 1992. Post retirement, one could find Bill in his wood shop dreaming and creating. He found immense joy building crafts, lamps, cabinets, and frames; many of these projects calling back to his days at Coca-Cola.

Whether with family, friends, or military companions, Bill had a gift for building meaningful and lasting relationships. His warm smile, steady presence, and genuine care for others made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength who touched the lives of everyone he met. Bill's family finds comfort in the knowledge that the faith he cherished throughout his life has now led him home to be with his Lord and Savior. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Ann House and Betty Jean Winebrenner and brother Carl Clinton Petty. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Bonnie Sue Smith Petty; his two daughters Elizabeth Sue Petty Farr (John); and Melinda Rene Petty McCollum. He had four grandchildren: William Payton McCollum (Kimery); Morgan Rene McCollum; Wendy Rene Farrish (Keith); and Rachel Elaine Griffiths (Morgan). He also had five great-grandchildren: Colton Michael Hasychak; Poppy Ruth and Wren Elizabeth McCollum; and Ava Marie and Rylan Patrick Griffiths.

A graveside service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Highland Memorial Gardens in Jackson, Tenn. with David Knox officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill’s name to Wounded Warrior Project and/or Disabled American Veterans.

❤️ Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear.