Kenneth Alan Pettay

Around daybreak on March 28, 2024, God called home one of his most dedicated disciples, Kenneth Alan Pettay. Though an unexpected and heartwrenching loss to his family and those who partnered with him in spreading the love of the Lord, enjoyed grand tales of his adventurous exploits, and felt the warmth of his fierce loyalty, his ascension during the holiest of weeks was befitting of a man whose unassailable love of God, his family, and the outdoors was felt by all who crossed his path.

Born in Longview, Washington, Ken spent his early years in Florida before earning an undergraduate degree in Forestry at the University of Florida and gaining his Masters of Forestry at Mississippi State. Ken’s natural curiosity, adventurous spirit, and professional dedication led him to work and live throughout the Southeastern United States. His travels, as a Forester, Appraiser, avid huntsman, and in service of the Lord, took him to all corners of the world, including Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Holy Land.

Ken was never passive in his devotion to God, loudly proclaiming his faith and giving freely of his time and resources to lead many to Christ over his long life. Early on, Ken was called to minister to young men as a spiritual leader with the Royal Rangers program. Later, he founded the Christian Sportsmen's Fellowship, appearing as a special guest on the “700 Club” to share the organization’s mission of uniting a love of the outdoors with spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His dedication only continued to grow through the years as he volunteered and donated to the many churches he took fellowship with in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, often spearheading recruitment and fundraising for growing congregations. Most recently, Ken attended and played an active part in the missions of Unity Outreach Church (Gloverville, SC), including their regional food ministry and joining a mission trip to Panama just last year.

Deeply proud of his family, Ken never let an opportunity pass to share how much he loved the life he’d built with his wife, Deborah, and how impressed he was by the accomplishments of his children, stepchildren, and many grandchildren. Around Washington, Ken joined his beloved wife in welcoming newcomers to town, leading lively discussions around the dinner table with friends, and showing off his skills on the dancefloor whenever the opportunity arose. To meet Ken was to quickly get to know how impressive his brood was, as he bragged of the many accomplishments of his children and the pride he had in their chosen paths. Just as in fatherhood, as a grandfather he was determined to share his love and extensive knowledge of hunting, fishing, and nature with his young grandchildren. Close friends will not soon forget his big heart, wise counsel, and true aim, whether in the field, forest, or the example he set in living life to the fullest.

Ken’s legacy and light will continue in the world with his wife Deborah Rainey-Pettay; sister Sharon Mazey and nephews; children Holly Pettay Peters, Forrest Pettay, Bradford Pettay (Jessica), and Ashford Pettay; step-children Tiffany, David (Amelia), and Christina Rainey; grandchildren McKinsey

John Peters and Elizabeth Grace Pettay, Isaac and Abbigail Pettay, and Robert Rainey; and his loyal hunting dogs, Gator and Gabe.

Visitation will be held at Hopkins Funeral Home (416 East Robert Toombs Avenue, Washington, Georgia) on Tuesday, April 2, from 6pm-8pm. Friends and family are invited to a funeral and celebration of life to be held at 2pm the following day, Wednesday, April 3, at The Sanctuary Church of God (1365 Tignall Road, Washington, Georgia). Floral arrangements are welcome and donations to Unity Outreach Church are encouraged (UnityOutreachChurch.org) (UnityOutreachChurch.org). A private burial in the family cemetery will be held for the immediate family.