Mackerea Pettway Obituary (1932

Mackerea Pettway, age 81, beloved husband of Barnetta Pettway, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2013 after a long illness. He was cared for by his wife during and up to his demise. At his time of passing he was surrounded by his loving family. Mackerea was born in Boykin, Alabama to the late Reverend Gilbert and Sweet Pettway. He served in the Korean Conflict and was discharged after earning three medals. He then returned to Alabama where he met and married his loving wife of 58 years. He excelled on the Basketball court and Baseball fields of Mobile, AL, playing against some of the all-time greats such as Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays. They moved to Bridgeport, CT where Mackerea coached the Connecticut Stars Softball team through many successful seasons leading to several winning championships. He was employed at several companies before working at Avco Lycoming (Textron) where he retired after 30 years of service. Mackerea was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. His memory will be cherished by his loving family which includes Barnetta, his wife of 58 years, with whom they had three children Edward Pettway, Dennis (Cozetta) Pettway, and Barbara Bayne. He is also survived by two other children Peter (Eula) Mosely and Rosetta Rice. His surviving siblings include a brother McFadden (Minnie) Pettway and two sisters Maude (Slyvester) Holloway and Ardell (Wiley) McMillan. Mackerea is predeceased by four brothers, Cornelius Bendolph, Bizzell Pettway, Marster Pettway and McNidera Pettway and a sister Inell (Moil) Kennedy. He was blessed with 11 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Mount Aery Baptist Church, 73 Frank Street, Bridgeport, CT. Viewing will take place at 10:00 am. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am and will be followed by interment with Military Honors at Lakeview Cemetery.