Joel Curtis Pettey passed away on December 5, 2020.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Azle & Lake Worth Funeral Chapel beginning at 1:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be at Azleland Cemetery & Memorial Park.

Joel was born on July 26, 1939 in Nacogdoches, Tx to Edna Ruth Pettey & L. Dewey Pettey Sr. He graduated from Smiley High School in 1958 before joining the US Air Force in 1960.  While proudly serving his country for four years, Joel met the love of his life, Shirley Faye Roberts, whom he married in 1964.  Joel went on to further his education, graduating from both San Jacinto College and Southern Bible College in 1979 at the age of 40.  His Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministries led him to serving as a Pastor for several years.  During that time, he worked for the US Postal Service for many years before retiring in 1992.  Joel later retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after 17+ years of service.  Upon retiring from TDCJ, he went on to serve in Baghdad, Iraq with the Department of Defense for just under 4 years.

Joel always had many stories and jokes to share. One of note was the refueling of JFK's Air Force One immediately prior to his Assassination in Dallas, Tx in 1963. His many interests and hobbies included his love of Classis Cars of which the lone standout was the 1957 Chevy. Joel had a passion for writing and sharing his numerous poems and songs with everyone and was especially proud of the fact that he met a gentleman in Bagdad who recorded his song "We Adore You Sweet Jesus."

Most recently, he thoroughly enjoyed going to the Saginaw Senior Center to visit and play dominoes and bingo with friends.  Joel always bragged about his family, sharing pictures and accomplishments all of which he was so extremely proud of.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Stepfather Edna Ruth Pettey Schweinle and Andrew Schweinle Father: L.D. Pettey, Sr.; Grandmother: Dora Melissa Parmley; Sister: Glenda Gail Pettey Heble; Brother: L. Dale Pettey, Sr. and Grandchildren: Brittany Morgan Wright and Kaden Ray Kirkpatrick.

He is Survived by his loving Wife of 56 years, Shirley Faye Pettey of Saginaw, Tx; Daughters: Sheryl Denise Rogers and Husband Carl of Keller, Tx; Melissa Ruth Duval and Husband Eddie of Fort Worth, Tx; and Barbara Diane Kirkpatrick and Husband Ray of Kirbyville, Tx; and Beloved Son at Heart: Steven W. Morris and Wife Shelli of Edmonds, Wa; Grandchildren: Daniel Olsen, Rachel Olsen, Kaylene Pettey, Bryan Curtis Pettey-Twardeski, Mariah Olsen, Serena Hunealt, Isabelle Kirkpatrick, and Morgan Pettey; numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and a host of extended Family and Friends all of whom he loved very much.