Michael Francis Petty

Michael Francis Petty was born in Bowling Green, Ky., to Harlan and Frances Petty on April 13, 1949. He died at his home in Searcy, Ark., on Dec. 7, 2017 from cancer, which he battled with strength and tenacity. Michael was a graduate of Western Kentucky University and was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. He was a Christian and was a lover of family, history, books, and the New York Yankees. He was a lifelong learner, but beyond that, he had a wisdom gained not from books or education, but rather from an understanding of life gathered from experience and observation. Michael had a keen sense of humor, and it was easy for him to make you laugh when you least expected it. He had an easiness about him that made being in his presence a joy. He was well known during his lifetime as being "A Good Man" and he will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Michael previously owned a surveying/engineering firm in Bowling Green and Arkansas Quality Land Surveying in Searcy and was well respected by his clients. Michael was employed by Whitlow Engineering Services in Searcy at the time of his death. Michael is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife, Sheila Petty; his brother, Bradley Petty (Bobbie); his son, Ryan Petty (Candace), his daughter, Kristen Borne (Shawn), and their Arkansas children, Jennifer Strayer and Michael Strayer (Lauren). Additionally, he was "Grandfather" to Gracie, Richard, Hartley June (who was born the morning of his death), and Colby, as well as his nephew, Todd Petty (Beckie), and niece, Stephanie Peaden (Cary). A Celebration of Life event will be held in Michael's honor at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. A monument for Michael will be placed in Gum Springs Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Sullivan Funeral Care of Kensett. Phone: (501)742-3621 Condolences: www.SullivanFuneralCare.com.