Reggie Dale Petty of Pinckneyville

Reggie Dale Petty, 69, of Pinckneyville passed away at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at Pinckneyville Community Hospital.
Reggie was born April 21, 1948, in Pinckneyville, a son to John "Thurman" and Helen (Cottom) Petty. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served as a 101st Airborne Ranger in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Reggie passed his patriotism down not only to his children but also his grandchildren. On April 21, 1981, he married Diane Trexler in Alto Pass, and she survives. Reggie had worked as a coal miner at Consolidated Coal Company Burning Star No. 4 and had also been a U.M.W.A. member and representative.
Reggie dedicated his life to God, family, patriotism, friends and the U.M.W.A. He was a loving husband, extraordinary dad and life-coach and a doting grampy. He enjoyed hunting, watching softball, watching Diane mow and decorate for the holidays, and visiting with the McDonalds' Pensioners and with the employees and patrons at Perry County Marketplace and First National Bank. As life evolved priorities somewhat changed as grandchildren -- also referred to as "little people" or "little britches" -- entered his retired life. Reggie's retirement enabled him to immerse himself in keeping supplies of pizza, Pop Tarts, cheese puffs, doughnuts, fruit, Laffy Taffy, etc. delivered to Pinckneyville Junior High School -- mainly his wife's "people." He enjoyed following Diane and her students in various sports activities and was supportive in all of her elaborate schemes with her teaching job. He loved her students and was her biggest cheerleader, financing many of her ideas for dances, Washington D.C. trips and must-have classroom decorations. 
Note from the family: Special thanks to all of our supportive family and friends that have been willing to pray, cook, drive and donate money as Reggie and Diane made this journey with his health. It has broken our hearts to lose Reggie, but we have been blessed with some wonderful memories, and we know that eventually we will all meet again. We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge all of the wonderful medical staff that has blessed us through the years, Dr. Christopher Reyes, Dr. Amanda Cashen, Dr. Holly Cohen, Dr. Justin Sadhu, Dr. Matthew Christopher and Dr. Arlene Miksanek, as well as, lab technicians, ER nurses, housekeeping, Laurie, Darlene and Joel.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Diane Petty of Pinckneyville; a daughter, Chelsea Dale (Jeremy) Castellano of Pinckneyville; two daughters-in-law, Meredith Petty of Evansville, Ind., and Shari Petty of Pinckneyville; mother-in-law and father-in-law Edgar and Roberta Trexler of Alto Pass; a sister, Patsy Lind of St. Louis; a sister-in-law, Brenda Rumfelt of Alto Pass; several grandchildren including his newest "little britches," Mia Petty Castellano, who will be 1 in November and was newest apple of his eye; a niece and two nephews; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Mitchell Petty and Colin Petty; and a brother-in-law, Kevin Trexler.
Per Reggie's request, there will be no services.
Memorial donations may be made to Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post 2504, P.O. Box 207, Pinckneyville.
Pyatt Funeral Home in Pinckneyville is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit pyattfuneralhome.com.