Thomas Galbraith Petty

Thomas Galbraith Petty, February 23, 1943–March 6, 2026. Tom was born in Lima, Ohio to the late William Edward and Jean Galbraith Petty, the next to youngest of 7. After several years of declining health, he passed away from COPD at the age of 83 surrounded by the family that loved him.

Tom lived in Wapakoneta, Ohio until moving to Fort Defiance, Virginia at the age of 11.

Tom married his wife, Alice Sarah Petty, February 23, 1994, and they had just celebrated 32 years of love and laughter. They have a very large blended family, including his children, Michael (Teresa) and Jennifer Petty. His stepchildren included Sean Ricks (Keely), Danny Ricks (Stephanie), and Michelle Parcel (John). Grandchildren include Katelyn Siler (Joe), Levi Petty, Stevy, Mason, and Molly Ricks, Savannah Snyder (Cody), Holly Pelphrey (Jordan), Jake Ricks, Jake Turner, Maya Nicolaus (Andrew), Amber Parcel, and Leah Parcel. He also had several great-grandchildren: Cecelia, Lilian, Margaret, and Beatrice Pelphrey, and Avery and Jaxon Snyder. Baby Milo Siler is due May 16. He also had special relationships with his sister-in-law Valorie (JJ), brother-in-law Bill (Doris), and dear friend Debbie Ricks.

Tom enjoyed family activities and loved telling stories to all the grandkids. He had a big heart and loved his family dearly. Some of these stories will be retold for years to come.

Tom had a great sense of humor, and we will remember him most for his funny stories, his love of Kit Kats and M&M’s, and the twinkle in his eye when he joked with his amazing hospice nurses Megan and Brittany. He had many varied interests. He began painting at a young age, and many of his oil paintings adorn his home and garage. He taught his children Roy G. Biv when they were very small, and we all laugh about it to this day.

Tom loved spring and summer at home. He talked to the deer and loved watching the hummingbirds from his front porch. He said so many times, “Alice, we live in a beautiful place.” He filled the deck and yard with flowers and enjoyed mowing the lawn and mulching. He and a neighbor often competed to see who could grow the largest tomato.

Tom was fascinated by science and space, and lived in the same town as Neil Armstrong. He was thrilled to visit NASA in Florida a few years ago. He was one of the first of his peers to have a personal computer, and always kept up with technology. He would spend hours writing programs, and brought this skill into his work life by designing programs to estimate jobs as a project manager.

As Tom’s health declined, he just kept smiling, no matter how hard things got for him. He demonstrated a level of perseverance and positivity to be admired. His last wish was to be at home with his family at the end of his life and to have his ashes scattered in his yard.

Tom worked in the construction industry throughout his career. He first worked as an architect, then moved to commercial roofing at Whitley Roofing. He was always fair and honest with everyone he dealt with. He ended his career at KBS and HH Hunt as a project manager building apartments. After retirement, he worked at 360 Hardware Store, and loved helping the folks in his community.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.