Funeral services for Mr. Edward Lee "Bill" Petty, age 79 of Carthage, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Pete Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Langley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Petty passed away on Monday afternoon, February 2, 2009 in Carthage.

Edward Lee "Bill" Petty was born on January 5, 1930 in Malakoff, Texas to Robert Roy and Cora Aline Grace Petty. He married Twilla Louella Sifford on June 2, 1948 in Glen Rose, Texas. Mr. Petty loved horse races, watching football, and playing dominoes. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Joseph McKinley Beck; four brothers, Elmer Earl Petty, Robert Roy Petty, Jr., Sonny Boy Petty, and Leonard Petty; and two sisters, Joann Petty and Joan Beck.

Mr. Petty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Twilla Sifford Petty of Carthage; two sons, Bruce Lee Petty and wife Dannett of Shreveport and Robert Wayne Petty of Carthage; four daughters, Ovaline Ella Vaughan and husband J.D. of Carthage, Deborah Kay Smith and husband Jack Smith, Jr. of Kennedale, Texas, Cynthia Ann Smith (Jim McDonald) of Desert Hot Springs, CA, and Twilla Lynn Brandt and husband John Edward of San Antonio; one brother, Hershel Otis Petty and wife Helen of Las Cruces, New Mexico; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and special friends, Bob and Barbara Wright and Wayne and Judy Sheffield all of Carthage.

Serving as pallbearers are Jacob Emerson, Justin Emerson, David Smith, Jason Smith, Jimmy Collins, and Matt Brandt. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Bob Wright, Bryan Smith, and Steven Smith.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Langley Cemetery Association, c/o Mrs. Emma Blakeman, 151 Hull Road, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.