Dr. Steven Thomas Petty

Dr. Steven Thomas Petty, 59, of Tallahassee, FL unexpectedly passed away in his home on Monday May 22, 2023. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00pm on June 2, 2023 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2641 Old Bainbridge Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303 with Tim Cobey officiating. Steve, known also to his loved ones as Stipo and Bubba, was born in St. Joseph, MO to Raymond and Margaret Petty on November 26, 1963. He was raised on their small family farm in Stewartsville, MO, where he discovered his great fondness for God’s creation through tending to the garden and taking care of the animals. He explored his fondness and love of nature even further in his years as a Boy Scout, ascending to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Steve graduated from Central High School in St. Joseph, MO in 1982. Through his passion for learning he went on to earn degrees Missouri Western State University, Central Missouri State University and Oklahoma State University where he completed his doctoral candidacy and earned his Ph. D. in Economics in 2001. While Steve was always extremely proud of his academic achievements, and loved being called Dr. Petty, his true passion and devotion was to his family. He married his best friend and soulmate Donna on March 24, 1989 in St. Joseph, MO and became step-father to her son Travis. In 1991 they welcomed their daughter Rebecca into this world and in 1998 they welcomed their son Raymond. In addition to family, Steve’s passion extended to good friends, good music, good food, sports, animals and helping others. Steve became acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses by listening in on his wife Donna’s Bible Study. His curiosity and commitment to being a lifelong learner led him to dedicate his life to Jehovah and he was baptized in 2007. Through his development of his relationship with God, he discovered a passion for understanding the Scriptures and found even greater joy and purpose in teaching and helping others. Steve’s spirit of generosity and kindness will be remembered, as well as missed. Steve is preceded in death by his father Raymond Petty and his oldest brother Benny Petty. Steve is survived by his mother, Margaret Petty of St. Joseph, MO, wife Donna, step-son Travis, daughter Rebecca and son Raymond and 5 siblings along with numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. The family wishes to extend deep appreciation to all who have poured out their love, prayers, support and encouragement through this time. The family is being assisted by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, Florida. 850.610.4444 YoungFulford.com

Dr. Steven Thomas Petty

November 26, 1963 - May 22, 2023