- Date Of Birth: December 13, 1929
- Date Of Death: September 5, 2021
- State: North Carolina
Buddy Gordon Pettigrew, 91, went home to be with the Lord on September 5th at his home in Macungie, Pennsylvania. He was the loving husband of Peggy Ann (Williams) Pettigrew for more than 68 years.
Buddy was born on December 13, 1929 in his paternal grandparents’ home in Caistor Center, Ontario, Canada. He was the only child of Edward Ernest Pettigrew & Margaret Pearl Pettigrew Forbes. He had two half-brothers: Doug Pettigrew and wife, Josephine of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and Gary Pettigrew (deceased) and wife, Connie of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Buddy graduated from Niagara Falls High School in Niagara Falls, NY in 1946 at the age of 16. He entered the United States Air Force in 1948 and was honorably discharged as Airman First Class in 1952.
On August 31, 1952, Buddy married the love of his life, Peggy Ann (Williams) Pettigrew. His favorite memory, in his own words, was, “the first time I laid eyes on the girl who was to be my wife.”
He graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1956 and worked at Dow Corning in Midland, Michigan for 6 years in product development.
In 1965, Buddy graduated with an MBA in Marketing and Latin American Affairs from the University of Texas. He worked for 27 years at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, Tennessee eventually becoming Marketing Manager for Latin America.
While in the Air Force, Buddy graduated from photography school. He was an avid photographer and family memories manager for most of his life. He was famous for saying, “Tilt your head a little, and open your eyes!”
He enjoyed gardening, especially growing roses. Buddy’s landscape was carefully planned, planted and cared for in every place he lived. Shrubs were trimmed, lawns were mowed. He claimed, “Neatness goes a long way in yard maintenance.” He was also a gifted soloist, singing on the radio at the age of 3 and continuing throughout his life in church. One of his favorite solos was “His Eye is on the Sparrow”.
Buddy gave his life to Jesus when he was 16, and his top priority for the rest of his life was to point to Him. He was a man of deep conviction, great faith, and true integrity. He was loyal, joyful, steadfast, and wise. He was a strong leader who lived out his faith for all to see. He devoted countless hours to the local church. He served as a deacon, an elder, a choir member, and a Sunday School teacher for many, many years.
Buddy loved his family more than anything on this earth. He and Peggy raised two wonderful children: Cynthia Lin (Pettigrew) McGovern; and Kristin Scott Pettigrew, who went home to the Lord in 2007. He gained two more beloved children through marriage: George McGovern; and Toni Pettigrew Teeter. He was also blessed with six loving granddaughters: Kelly; Emily; Mary; Allison; Joanna; and Jennifer along with 12 great-grandchildren.
Perhaps his greatest gift to his family was his faithful and robust prayer life. He was a true prayer warrior, praying diligently and specifically for his family members consistently throughout his life. His family says it’s that steadfast example and faithful uplifting in prayer that is perhaps the thing they will miss the most.
Buddy lived for Jesus and strove to honor Him above all else. And his family could not be more grateful for the lasting, loving, Christ-honoring legacy he left behind. Thank you for running the race so well, Buddy. You finished strong. We love you.
