Arthur 'Art' J. Pettit, 83

LAUREL - Arthur "Art" J. Pettit, of Laurel, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008, in his home. He was 83.

He was born in Sign Post, Va., a son of the late Daniel and Hallie Pettit.

Art retired as a carpenter working for Don Patterson Construction in Salisbury and Trieste Construction in Florida.

He was well known on Delmarva for his award-winning hand-carved duck decoys.

Art was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and Sign Post United Methodist Church.

He was also an avid boater, fisherman and scuba diver.

Arthur proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jeri Lou Doane; a brother, Tom Pettit; and sisters, Ethel Chesser and Frances Rainbolt.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Miriam Pettit; daughter, Diane Christy of Alabama; his brother, Edwin "Hen" Pettit of Milford; his sisters, Agnes Coleman of Virginia, Joyce Caulk of Easton, Md., and Geraldine Bowden of Newport News, Va.; grandchildren, Kelly, Deborah, Heidi, Erika and Laura; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Maisie, Nathaniel and Scottie.

A memorial service will 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West St., Laurel, where friends may visit with his family one hour prior.

The Rev. Kevin English will officiate.

Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro, where he will receive full military honors.

Contributions can be made in his memory to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.