PETTY, Paul Franklin

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 Coach Paul Franklin Petty, 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 in Saint Cloud, Fla. Paul was born in Clyde, Texas on Sept. 15, 1928, the son of Ammon and Azilee (Medley) Petty. Paul was a career educator, mentor and coach. He is a Member the Arizona Coaches Association Hall-of-Fame, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall-of-Fame, Hardin~Simmons University Athletic Hall-of-Fame, Miami High School Sports Hall-of-Fame and the recipient of the 1997 Outstanding Coaches Award from the National Football Foundation & College Hall-of-Fame. He was the head coach of multiple All~Star football games in the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s 1990’s and 2000’s. From 1989 through 2000 he coached Arizona All~Star football teams in games played in Australia and New Zealand. He coached at Hardin~Simmons University in Texas, Plainview Jr. High in Texas, San Benito H.S. in Texas, Miami H.S. in Arizona, New Mexico State University, Phoenix Union H.S., Carl Hayden H.S. in Arizona, Sunnyside H.S. in Arizona, Las Cruces H.S. in New Mexico, Globe H.S. in Arizona, Ajo H.S. in Arizona, and St. Cloud H.S. in Florida. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of The Sons of the American Revolution, Optimist International, Salvation Army, York Rite of Freemasonry, White Mountain Lodge #3, The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. He was an Instructor for 26 years for The University of Arizona Correspondence/Independent Study Department. He was also a Deacon in the Southern Baptist Church and man of great Christian faith. He passed away as he lived, on his own terms, with grace, dignity, and strength, while surrounded by loving family and friends. “He was our hero.” He is survived by his loving family, wife Cecile (Collins) Petty; son, Dr. Steven (Brett) Petty of Saint Cloud, Fla.; two granddaughters, Norah and Ella Petty; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy (Jim) Alexander of Pasadena, Texas. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Ammon and Azilee Petty; brothers, Edwin and James Petty; and sister, Evelyn Taylor. Arrangements are under the direction of Fisk Funeral Home, in St. Cloud, Fla. A memorial service will be held this summer in Arizona in order for those who would like to attend to have the best opportunity to do so. Details will be released by the family as plans materialize.