John Donald Petty died peacefully at home on November 19, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

Donald was born on September 12, 1937 to John Ryburn Petty and Lillian Floyd Petty. He graduated from Polkville High School in 1955. There he lettered in basketball and baseball. After high school he worked for Seaboard Railroad. On April 6, 1958 he married Cora Humphries. In 1961 their first child, Allyson, was born. Two years later, they welcomed their second child, Nancy. With their two daughters, they made their home in the New House community.

For some 20 years, Donald worked for Dover Mill Textile Company. In the mid-1970's he made a career change and worked at Gardner-Webb University, first in grounds maintenance and later he was the Director of Food Services. He would eventually buy and manage Varsity Square Apartments in Boiling Springs until his retirement. After retirement, Donald worked for H&H Pest Control and managed H&H properties.

Throughout his adult life, Donald took classes at Gardner-Webb University. He loved the college culture and studying religion. Whether on the campus of Gardner-Webb or at his church, he connected with young people. One of the young people from his church recently commented: "Donald was our teacher, our mentor, our coach, and our friend." He loved people of all ages and never hesitated to help someone in need. Having never met a stranger, he had a way of making everyone feel special and important.

Donald loved his community, and his community was expansive covering all of Cleveland County and beyond. He was a man of deep faith and spent much of his life caring for the people and community of Sandy Plains Baptist Church. He lived his life believing in the love of God for all and sharing that love with others.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cora Petty; brother, Robert Petty (Brenda); two daughters, Allyson Gardner of Shelby; Nancy Petty (Karla Oakley) of Raleigh; five grandchildren: Emily Jones, Caralei Champion, Oliver Gardner, Nora Petty, Jasmine Viar; three great-grandchildren: Carter Hendrick, Zoe Henderson, and Lillian Hutchinson.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Donald's caregivers: Mina Murilla and family; Maria and Noel; and Elsa Neito and family. They would also like to thank Chris Howington, George Wilson, Chris Wilson, and Andy Wilson for their help in caring for Donald. A funeral service has been planned for Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Burial will be immediately following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the burial. Memorials may be made to Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2112 New House Road, Shelby, NC, 28150.

Online condolences may be offered at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Petty family.