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Harvey L. Pettit
Today, we announce the passing of a child of the Most High God, Harvey Love Pettit, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at the blessed age of 99.
Harvey was born March 28, 1909, in Kosciusko, Miss., of William R. "Pop" and Mary McLean Pettit. Harvey was the fraternal twin of Horace Lamar Pettit, who passed away March 11, 1995.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He once recounted how he delayed going away to college for several years so he could spend more time hunting and fishing in his native Mississippi. He continued in these activities throughout his life, eventually traveling out to the western United States, British Columbia and Alaska on big game hunts, where he bagged a trophy elk, a moose, two full-curl rams, a grizzly bear and two mountain goats.
Both Harvey and Horace were accepted to Northwestern Mississippi Community College in the early 1930s, but were unable to pay the tuition in the Great Depression, and the twins were able to attend college by using 40 turkeys as payment. They were excellent athletes, playing for their college football and baseball teams. They attracted the attention of a scout from George Washington University and were both offered scholarships, and both accepted.Upon arrival at GWU, Harvey went to work for J.W. Marriott at an A&W Root Beer stand, mopping floors. He worked his way up to assistant manager at one of Marriott's Hot Shoppes restaurants by the time of his last semester at GWU. The manager suddenly quit, and Harvey was offered the manager's job, but knew if he accepted the offer, he would be unable to continue with his studies. He reasoned at the time that the purpose of getting an education was to get a good job, but he also knew it was the Depression and jobs of any type were scarce. So, he gladly took the job, working for Marriott until 1946, when he left to open the Silver Restaurant on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Md.
While working at Marriott, a certain hostess caught his eye, a beautiful gal of Irish descent, Veronica Ailene McGinn from Dunlap, Iowa. He couldn't resist, and they were married in 1940. Three children came from this marriage, Donna Dolores Pettit, Ronald Adrian Pettit and Christopher Michael Pettit.
In 1963, Harvey became one of the pioneers in the fast food industry, opening his first KFC in Concord, N.C. In 1964, he followed with outlets in Fredericksburg and Kingston, Jamaica, which incidentally, was the first KFC opened outside the U.S. He later opened outlets in Nags Head and Buxton, N.C., Aquia in Stafford County and Massaponax in 1975.
The love of his life, Veronica, whom he called "Mommie" passed Dec. 19, 1989.
From 1990 until 1995, he was a part owner of Delta Rubber Products in Clarks-ville, Miss. He then retired, turning over his personal and business affairs to his son Ronald in 1995. Subsequently, he and his son lived in Bangkok, Thailand, and Macau, China, for three years. Their travels took them through Paris and Medugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and many places in Asia.
In addition to his three children, Harvey is survived by seven grandchildren, Deborah James, Carol James, John Griffith, Dakota Pettit, Mikayla Pettit, Michelle Pettit and Ronald Pettit Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Pettit and Joshua Pettit.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. and a for Celebration of Love and Life from 8-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel. Those who would like to speak during this celebration are encouraged to do so.
Entombment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.
In memory of Harvey, contributions may be made to Compassion, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80997. Please specify for Unsponsored Children's Fund.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. and for Celebration of Love and Life from 8-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel. Those who would like to speak during this celebration are encouraged to do so. Entombment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.
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