Thomas F. Petty, age 95 years, of Street, MD, died at Stella Maris Hospice in Timonium, MD on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:30 am. He was the husband of Elvara (Elverie) Wyatt Petty and they observed their 77th. wedding anniversary on November 1, 2024. In 2022, WMAR Channel 2 aired a story on their 75 years of marriage.

Mr. Petty was born in Stratford, NC on April 21, 1929, the second of nine children born to Elijah D. and Lula Mae (Edwards) Petty. When he was ten years old, the family moved to Harford County. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953 and then owned and operated Petty's Garage in Whiteford, MD for many years. He also was a contractor for school buses for Harford County Public Schools. Until his full retirement, Mr. Petty worked for the Kunkel Service Co. both in Bel Air and Rising Sun, MD. Working as a automobile mechanic was a passion for him and he enjoyed all the years in his own garage and then with Kunkel Service Co. His memory was sharp, to the point where he could tell the part numbers for automobile parts from memory.

Mr. Petty also enjoyed camping with his family, gardening, and tending to his lawn before a stroke in 2013 rendered him unable to participate in the activities he loved. It also forced him to give up his part-time position with Saubel's Market in Whiteford.

He was a charter member of the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company working in an auxiliary role, keeping the trucks maintained and cooking for their events. Mr. Petty was recently inducted into the Harford-Cecil Volunteer Fireman's Association Hall of Fame, an honor for which he was very proud.

As a young adult, Mr. Petty became a member of the Baptist View Church, Jarrettsville, MD where he had served as a deacon and remained affiliated until his passing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by,

Three children,

Shirley Testerman, and her husband, Eddie

Linda Boothe, and her husband, Troy

Jeff Petty, and his wife, Kim

His nephew, Michael Wyatt, and his wife, Melodye whom he helped raise.

Five grandchildren,

Dawn McCole, and her husband, Steve

Jason Testerman, and his wife, Holly

Ryan Boothe

Jeremy Boothe, and his wife, Angie

April Petty

Twelve great grandchildren

Dalton Boothe, and his fiancée, Shelbie

Cian McCole

Lane Boothe

Trinity Testerman

Kylee Testerman

Conal McCole

Emily Boothe

Brandon Boothe

Taylor Boothe

Callen Boothe

Kate Watkins, and her husband, Brandon

Shelby Cason, and her partner, Andrew

Six great-great grandchildren

Jackson Watkins

Nicholas Watkins

Presleigh Blevins

Raylynn Boothe

Parker Watkins

Alex Roth

Four siblings

Virginia Catron of Hoquaim, WA

William "Bob" Petty of Churchville, MD

Rufus "Pete" Petty of Darlington, MD

Kathleen Hammock of Hanover, PA

Mr. Petty was preceded in death by his sisters,

Opal Ross

Carolyn Smith

And brothers,

John Petty

Harold Petty

The viewing will be held on Sunday, February 16 from 5-8 pm at the Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main St., Delta, PA.

The Fallen Marine Ceremony, led by the Marine Corps League, CPL Pete Arnold Detachment 1198 of Harford County, Maryland will perform their honors at 7:45 pm on Sunday evening.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17 at 11 am at the Baptist View Church, 2718 Sharon Rd., Jarrettsville, MD.

Interment with military honors will be in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in his memory to Baptist View Church, c/o William Quesinberry, Treasurer, 1711 Baldwin Mill Rd., Forest Hill, MD 21050 or the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Co., PO Box 222, Whiteford, MD 21160