Raymond W. Pettis

Raymond Wesley Pettis was born on February 21, 1937, to late Leon Gilbert Pettis, Sr., and the late Dorothy Smith Pettis. He had two sisters, Beverly J. Pettis Hurley (Burt) and Barbara Pettis Dunston, two brothers, Walter Pettis, and Garry Pettis, and one sister-in-law, Ruth Pettis (Leon), who preceded him in death.

“Ray,” as he was lovingly called, received his education in the Indianapolis school system at schools #37 and #56 and continued his formative years at the Crispus Attucks High School. One day when visiting a friend’s house, Ray noticed a freshly baked cake and inquired about who made it; well, it has been said a way to a man’s heart is through his belly. In honoring God, it wasn’t long before they were united in holy matrimony; he married Joan C. Sadler in 1964 (58 years). They had one child, Dr. Toni L. Kleckley. Joan often said, “God gave her the best man a woman could have.” After 34 years, Ray retired from Indiana Boys’ School as a Correctional Officer to join his wife in retirement for the rest of his years. He used wisdom to mentor young men in the correctional system to steer them in the right direction.

Raymond began his spiritual journey with Christ at an early age; he loved attending church. He loved singing in the choir and solo. Eventually becoming a deacon and trustee at Spiritual Awakening Non-Denominational Church. He is now a member of Tree of Life Non-Denominational Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, under the direction of Bishop Raphael Pettus and Pastor Lana Pettus.

Ray was an avid bowler, and he traveled with his teammates to various cities bowling in countless tournaments, winning multiple trophies, and giving the most to junior bowling groups. He loved fishing with his family, card games, westerns, and sports. His deeds of kindness were unwavering; Ray would have given you the shirt off his back. If you owed him any money, he would have never asked for it. His favorite holiday was Christmas, he would make sure every child in the family had at least one package from him to open on the family joyous occasion.

But if you knew Ray, you would have thought he missed his calling in comedy. His faith and strength oozed through his aura. He was a humorous soul who never met a stranger, always had a smile, and loved everyone. Ray’s favorite scripture was Psalm 23, which he would quote and pray often, and he loved to sing from that genre of music. His favorite gospel songs are “Two-Wings,” “Pass Me Not,” “Your Grace and Mercy,” “Old Ship of Zion,” and “The Potter’s House.”

In the still of the day, on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 5:20 PM, Ray transitioned to be with the Lord with his family by his side. We will miss his presence very much, but we know he is now at peace. Walking in Psalm 23 reminds us that God is excellent and worthy of our trust in life or death — in times of plenty or want.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Joan Pettis; daughter, Dr. Toni Pettis Kleckley (Mathis); he was thrilled to welcome grandchildren, Ta’Nia L. Summers; grandson, Wesley Keith Finkton; great-grandchildren, Ja’Vonta, Ta’Yonna, Da’Veon, Ja’Lyeah, Gabriel, and Wesley Jr.; brothers, Bishop Leon Pettis, Jr., and Chester Pettis; sister, Brenda Pettis Slaughter; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved very much, his church family, and countless acquaintances.

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