Donnie “DonDon” Michael Pettis, Jr.

Donnie Michael “DonDon” Pettis, Jr., 45, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017.  Services: 1:00 p.m. Friday in Biggers Funeral Chapel.  Visitation: 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday at Biggers Funeral Home.  Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park – Fort Worth.

Donnie was born January 29, 1972 in Fort Worth to Joyce B. (Baker) and Donnie M. Pettis, Sr.  He was born with the Spina bifida and other conditions, which led doctors to believe he could only live one month.  Despite their prognosis he lived a full life enduring over 20 surgeries.  When he was eight years old and in the 3rd grade the city of River Oaks proclaimed October 23, 1980 as Donnie Pettis Day in River Oaks.  This was done to recognize him for his courage and ability to overcome handicap just prior to his major surgery which occurred on November 11.   When he was five, he was made an honorary sailor by his uncle, BMC Columbus Baker, USN (Ret.).  Four years later, he was awarded with a good conduct medal.  Donnie joined his uncle in ceremony on August 19, 1983 and passed by the Navy sideboards signifying the end of his six-year naval career.  While in school he stayed active and was the manager of C.Y.A. football team (Castleberry Youth Association).  Donnie liked to go to the skating rink and ride his skateboard beside friends who would skate.  He played wheelchair basketball and also bowled.   Donnie graduated from Castleberry High School with the Class of ’90.

Donnie is survived by mother, Joyce Livers and husband, Gary; his father, Donnie Pettis, Sr.; sister, Tracy Gualandi and husband, Heath; niece, Zoie Gualandi; nephews, Drake and Zack Gualandi; aunt, Charlene Vinson and husband, Danny; uncles, Ray Pettis and wife, Shirley, Marvin Pettis and wife, Elvira, James Baker and wife, Sandra, David Baker; and numerous cousins.