THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RONALD FRANKLIN PETTIS

RONALD FRANKLIN PETTIS, the son of the late Collier Pettis and Ora Sullivan-Penn Pettis, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He received his formal education in the Central Dauphin School District and was a proud member of the Central Dauphin High School Class of 1960. In High School, he pursued masonry (bricklaying) and took great pride in being a member of the Varsity Football Team. In 2008, he was inducted into the Central Dauphin Hall of Fame as a member of the 1958 Undefeated Football Team, where he proudly wore Jersey #19.

He was raised attending Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended the Church School and participated in other church activities.

In 1960, Ronald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge. Stationed in Morocco, he often joked that he thought he had volunteered to go to Monaco. He loved telling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he was a king from Morocco, proudly introducing himself as "King Ooley of Morocco." Following his military service, he worked with various construction companies throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Harrisburg area before retiring from Millersville University after 19 years of dedicated service as a campus mason.

In his leisure time, “Ooh” enjoyed playing tennis, deep-sea fishing, playing pinochle for money (though he always insisted he was never a gambler), and spending Friday happy hours with his Oberlin Gang. Famous for his storytelling, Ronnie often claimed he had built every brick building he saw and would quickly add, "And that is a fact!" He was also known for asking his wife, Emma, and anyone headed toward the kitchen for "two and two" — two mini Hershey Peanut Butter Cups and two Werther's Original candies.

After a life filled with hard work, laughter, family, and countless stories, Ronnie peacefully transitioned on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by family at home under the care of Homeland Hospice. He received his “official wings” and transitioned to his heavenly address.

In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul (infancy), Jerome, William, and Donald; his great-granddaughter, Brave Amara Douglass; brothers-in-law, Robert J. Martin, Charles H. Brown and Elder Al-Kareem Abdullah.

Ronald and Emma were united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday, April 30, 1977. Together they formed a blended family and shared nearly 50 years of partnership, laughter, faith, and devotion.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Emma; four sons, Raymond Michael Pettis (Carla) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Brian M. Carpenter (Carmen) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Renaldo R. Pettis of Manchester, New Hampshire and Keith A. Campbell of Highspire, Pennsylvania; four daughters, Jean Michelle Pettis of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Michele L. Holton of St. Petersburg, Florida, JoAnn Romain (Martin, Sr.) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Christine J. Wooding of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and a granddaughter whom he raised, Dr. Amber M. Sessoms (Devon) of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.

He is also survived by his brother, Warren (Bobby) Pettis of Los Angeles, California; his sister, Priscilla Reid (Robert) of Middletown, Pennsylvania and a special cousin, Dennis Pettis who transcended from the title of cousin to becoming a true brother and source of unconditional love. He also leaves to carry on his legacy, 21 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, James R. Martin (Bonnetta) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Bishop Florence O. Abdullah of Middletown, Pennsylvania and Gladys Brown Dutrieuille (Steven) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

Per Ronnie’s “Ooh's” request, his life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.