Jerold “J.R.” Allan Petty (66), of Canton, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Akron City Hospital surrounded by his loving daughter, Stacy(Shane) Lemley, and sister, Shawn Bentivegna.

Jerold, best known as J.R., was born in Canton on April 2, 1957. J.R. worked at Gentlebrook and volunteered at his church, Martindale Christian Fellowship. He enjoyed NASCAR, tennis, and loved motorcycles. His dream was to ride in “poker runs” for cancer.

J.R. came into his stepchildren’s lives when they were as young as infants. As a father, he never missed a sporting event and loved his stepchildren as his own. Being a grandfather brought him much joy. He had a special bond with his two granddaughters: Sabrina and Izabelle Lemley, attending softball games and celebrating birthdays.

His four stepchildren survive Jerold: Stephanie Norris-Meier, Tina Pritchett, John Pritchett, and his best friend and youngest, Stacy (Shane) Lemley, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Agnes Neisles, brothers Timothy Petty and Ralph Headley Jr.; sisters Tammy (Joe) Fiori, Kimberly Salkeld, Dawn (Jeff) Reynolds, and Shawn Bentivegna. Jerold was predeceased by his father, Charles Petty; grandparents, Mable Morris-Petty and Frank Petty, sister Kelly Garlando, and love of his life – wife, Phyllis Petty. He leaves behind his two special furbabies: Coco and Belle, who will deeply miss their treats and pets.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 11:00 am. The service will be held at Martindale Christian Fellowship Church with Pastor Steve Manko officiating. Calling hours will be one hour before the service in the church. There will be a luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (Breast Cancer Information, Support & Donations - National Breast Cancer Foundation)

Jerold and Phyllis are once again united and their ashes will be spread together in the rolling hills of West Virginia, a place that once was called home.

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