Joe Lee Pettigrew

Joe Lee Pettigrew Sr., 75, was born on August 12, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Albert Pettigrew Sr. and Lula Chester Pettigrew.

He was educated in the Pulaski County Special School District. He was in the first class in 1970 to graduate from Wilber D. Mills High School. He later attended Shorter College, where he earned an associate degree in business.

In 1971, Joe joined the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge. He was known for his distinctive way of speaking and his quiet nature, yet his warmth and jovial spirit brought joy and laughter to those around him. He was rarely seen without a hat, a button-up shirt, and a pen tucked into his left pocket. Joe had a special affection for the children, and they loved him in return. He worked in maintenance at the U.S. Federal Building until his retirement in 2011. A man of many talents, Joe was skilled in landscaping, carpentry, automobile repair, mathematics, and cooking. He could fix nearly anything with his hands and will be remembered as a strong, hardworking man who was always willing to help anyone in need.

Joe accepted Christ at an early age under Elder Author Divine; Graham Temple COGIC.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory of his loving wife, Edner Pettigrew, whom he married on October 6, 2011.

A loving father, Joe is survived by his sons, Joe Lee Pettigrew Jr. (Marilyn) and Antwan Tyrell Pettigrew; his daughter, Lakesha Davis; and his bonus children, Amina (Ahmad) Williams, Russell Roddy, and Donald Dwight Conley. He is also survived by his siblings, Doris Knight, James (Barbara) Pettigrew, Joyce (Jewel) Withers, and Anthony (Jacquelyn) Pettigrew.

He also leaves to cherish his memory of his grandchildren: Jessica Pettigrew, Joe L. Pettigrew III, Sederick, Jake and Zachary Webb, Khaleque Bonds Merritt, Samihah, Saniyah, and Kamil Williams.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Eugene Washington, Calvin Lewis Pettigrew, and Albert Pettigrew Jr. and his sisters; Margaret Brooks, Dorothy Mae Walker, and Lula Mae Gamble.

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