Walter Lee Pettiford

April 17, 1942 - May 8, 2022

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die…” -Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 “ Walter Lee Pettiford, 80, of Bartlesville, OK, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 8, 2022. “A Time to Be Born” Walter was the first child of six children born to Walter and Ada Mae (Hinton) Pettiford on April 17, 1942, in Louisburg, North Carolina. “A Time to Plant” Walter Lee accepted Christ earlier in life, and joined Saint Paul Presbyterian Church, where he served as an altar boy. He grew up in Louisburg, NC and graduated Franklin County Training School1960. Walter enlisted in the Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He served honorably, completed two tours of duty in Vietnam and received several medals during his enlistment. “A Time to Love” In 1960, Walter married Carrie Williams, to this union a daughter, Wanda Colleen was born. In 1972, he married Clarice Williams. The couple have two children, son Mikel and daughter Sharron. Walter and Clarice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 26, 2022. “A Time to Build Up” Walter’s work career and outreach ministry spanned over 60 years. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company 29 years and retired as a Warehouse Controller. Rev. Pettiford was gifted with a true servant’s heart and was active in spiritual outreach ministry for many years, both in his church and the Bartlesville community. During his membership at Greater First Baptist Church, he served as Associate Pastor and Youth Director. His Community Outreach Ministry included the jails, nursing homes, and hospitals where he ministered to the sick and shut in. In 2010, Rev. Pettiford became the outreach minister at Grace Community Church where he continued to minister throughout the community and nursing homes. “A Time to Mourn” On May 8, 2022, Walter made his swift transition from mortality to immortality. He exemplified true Christian principles every single day. He was known for his kindness and generosity. He was always friendly and had a smile on his face. He dearly loved his family and friends and always offered his wise council. The impact of Walter’s love for family and the ministry will be felt for generations. Rev. Pettiford is known also for smoking the best hams! He leaves to cherish their memories of him his beloved wife Clarice of the home; daughters Wanda of Franklinton, NC and Sharron “Bird” as he affectionately called her, of Denver, CO; son Mikel (Tricia); two granddaughters Kelsey and Lexus; three great grandchildren Kylee, Cayson and Trysten of Garland, TX; brother -in-law James Williams(Brenda) of Tulsa, OK; brother Jimmy Pettiford (Glenda) of Raleigh, NC; sisters Linda Mark of Brooklyn, NY, Annie Mae Porter (Isiah) of Brentwood, NY , Geraldine Manley (George); nephews Steven Clifton(Toni), Robert Pettiford, Thurston Manley (Faith), Christopher Porter (Pauline), Jimel Pettiford(Tiffany) of Raleigh, NC, Kevin Williams, Sr (Danielle) of Tulsa, OK, Keith Williams(Deinny) of San Antonio; nieces Tanza Pettiford of New York, NY, Chandra Porter(Christopher) of Brentwood, NY, Jasmine Pettiford (Howard) of Houston, TX and Kristy Cotton of Lawrence, KS and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins and loving friends. Walter was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Mary Elizabeth Clifton. Walter was a disabled Veteran and will be buried with full military rites.