Willie Jacob (Billie) Pettway the 3rd of five children was born on November 8, 1952 to the late Thomas and Carrie Pettway, who resided on the eastside of Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout Billie’s life he visited and enjoyed many churches, and later became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. A product of the Duval County School System, Billie graduated from Mathew W. Gilbert High School Class of 1970, which was affectionately dubbed “the last class to pass”. While at Gilbert, Billie was a standout linebacker, wearing number 51 on the Mighty Panthers football team. It was there he developed lifelong friendships with Kenneth Graham and Dennis Gresham Chappelle. After graduating from high school, having a love of the sea Billie set his sights north to Piney Point Maryland and attended Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. After successfully completing and graduating from the seaman program Billie returned to Jacksonville to simultaneously begin his seagoing career and started a family with his former wife Diane Heggs. Together Billie and Diane raised three children, Devron, Willie, and Angela. After traveling several years touring the world on deep sea vessels, Billie decided to change gears and give oceangoing tugs a try. He was employed by Crowley Maritime where he dedicated 30 tireless years of service as Chief Engineer before retiring in 2010. In addition to his unwavering service to Crowley, Billie played an instrumental role in helping countless young men began their careers in the maritime industry.

In retirement, Billie decided to once again become a world traveler; this time with his lovely and devoted fiancée, Sherry Warrick. Never one to let grass grow under their feet, Billie and Sherry set out on their collective journey of life and the pursuit of happiness, traveling the globe to great destinations. To know Billie was to love him. He was known for charming everyone he met with his great smile, disarming them with his quick wit, and loving everyone with his overwhelmingly generous heart. Many were humbled and blessed by his willingness to listen and mentor any young man or family member who sought his advice. Billie loved travel, fishing, shopping, and dancing with his sister in-law, Joanne Pettway at all family functions; they would really cut a rug! However most importantly, he deeply and unequivocally loved his family.

Willie leaves to carry on his legacy three children, Devron Antonio Pettway, (Nichole), Willie Devon Pettway (Jami), and Angela Lawan Pettway; fiancée, Sherry Warrick; siblings, Thomas, Jr., Brenda Laidler (Oscar), Valerie Morgan (Paul), and Quinton Pettway (Joanne); grandchildren, Devronesha Copeland (Curtis), Caterria Holliday (Tony), Dianah Miller, Kerrigan Brown, Barron Pettway, and Parker Pettway; one great-grandson, Andrew Copeland; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Willie J. Pettway will be held Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11:00AM at Greater Beulah Missionary Church, 9550 Ribault Ave. He is survived by his fiancé Sherry Ann Warrick, two sons Devron (Nichole), Willie (Jami), daughter Angela and a host of loving relatives and friends. The viewing will be held on Friday, August 12th from 5-7PM at the mortuary. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234 Funeral arrangements entrusted by Funerals by T.S Warden

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