Sam Pettyjohn

Mr. Sam J. Pettyjohn, 94, of Bainbridge, GA, passed away Monday, March 3, 2008 at his residence. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Gerald A. Little officiating. Entombment will be at Oak City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Shotwell St., Bainbridge, GA 39819. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ivey Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com . Mr. Pettyjohn was born February 17, 1914 in Jacksonville, FL, the son of James W. and Elizabeth Jack Pettyjohn. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, attended the University of Florida, and received his BSA in Agronomy from the University of Illinois. He served as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy during World War II and retired as a Lt. Commander from the U.S. Navy Reserves. He founded Pettyjohn's Nursery and Florist in 1946. In 1956 he sold the florist to William Cooke (William's House of Flowers) and in 1957 sold the nursery to Ebb Cato (Cato's Nursery). He was a financial advisor for many years and established the Raymond James Financial office in Bainbridge and continued to work there with Steve Poitevint until he was 91. He was very active in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Elder, Elder Emeritus, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. Mr. Pettyjohn was the oldest veteran in Decatur County, a member of V.F.W. Post 4904, Past Commander of American Legion Post 62, Past President of the Bainbridge Lions Club, Past President of the Georgia Nursery Association, a charter member of the Charlie King Garden Club, and a former Boy Scout Leader. He was preceded in death by his brother James W. "Jim" Pettyjohn, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Margaret "Gracie" Pettyjohn of Bainbridge, GA; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Cheryl Pettyjohn of Kingsland, GA, and Thad and Helen Pettyjohn of Climax, GA; 5 grandchildren, Sam Jack Desolver, Molly Pettyjohn, Gracie Pettyjohn, Margretta P. Smith, and Margaret Pettyjohn; and 3 great-grandchildren, Drew Pettyjohn, Devon Pettyjohn, and Mary Grace Smith.