Oliver Andrew Pettit Jr.

Oliver Andrew Pettit Jr., was born January 14, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio, to Mathilda and Oliver Pettit Sr. Oliver was born a few doors down from the Wright Brothers bicycle shop, which most likely helped fuel his love of aeronautics. Oliver’s mother passed when Oliver was an infant, and was raised by his grand parents in Cincinnati, Ohio. Soon after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (later U.S. Air Force). Oliver served in both World War II and the Korean conflict as a Captain. Oliver flew troop carriers and as an engineer on bombers. Oliver was also a flight instructor in the military. His active duty ceased in 1953 but Oliver continued to train military pilots as a citizen. Oliver worked in different capacities of the aviation industry until 1962 when he was hired as a manufacturing inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration. Oliver was one of the first t oversee the inspection of the Presidential fleet. Oliver retired in 1982 from the FAA and continued as a governmental designee to inspect aircraft. Oliver served as a city councilman, mayor pro-tem, park board chairman and transportation board for the city of Richland Hills for many years. Oliver was a devout Catholic. He attended church every chance he could and devoted himself to many functions at the church for most of his life.
Oliver is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Katie Pettit, his daughter Patricia Pettit, son in law Jack Rogers.
Oliver is survived by, his son Oliver Pettit III and wife Connie, daughter Glenna Rogers, and son Philip Pettit and wife Rhea; grandchildren, Chris Pettit and wife Marnie, Danny Pettit, John Rogers and wife Laura, Brian Rogers and wife Lacey, Stephen Rogers and wife Erin and Chad Pettit; Great-Grandchildren, Madison Pettit, Lily Pettit, Josephine Pettit, Jack Rogers, Mackenzie Rogers, Elise Rogers, Ben Rogers, Henry Rogers, Harvey Rogers, Will Rogers, Bridgitte Rogers and Sedona Pettit.

In lieu of flowers Oliver requested donations be made to Diabetes Research and Treatment.