Granvil Dale “Buddy” Petry was born on Dec. 24, 1933 to India Petry Busby and John Acklin Petry and was welcomed to his heavenly home on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the age of 85 years.
Dale first married Ruth Lavergne and together they welcomed six children into their lives – Steven, Debbie, Tammy, Cynthia, Kevin and Brent. Later in life, Dale married Christine Long and they welcomed the birth of one son – John Acklin. He married Ella June Cole Lafleur and cared for her until her death. He enjoyed the last 13 1/2 years of his life with his wife Pamela Gayle Hanks. To that union, Pam brought her daughter Hollie Gage. Dale and Pam have five adopted children – Calee Cloutier, Moses and Janet Ochen, George Okello and Evelyn Namukose.
Dale was a mechanic his entire life and there didn’t seem to be anything he couldn’t fix. He retired as a Mobile Master Mechanic at the Port of Lake Charles. Dale sang in several gospel groups and played the saxophone regularly in church. He loved Mountainview, Ark. and his heart’s desire was to live there. While visiting there, he had the opportunity to make a C.D. and perform at the Ozark Folk Center.
Dale was a very loveable father, husband and friend who never met a stranger. But most importantly, he was a man of deep faith in God.
Preceding Dale in death were his parents, India Petry Busby and John Acklin Petry; two brothers, Kenneth and Ralph Petry; wives, Ruth Lavergne Petry and Ella June Cole Lafleur;and one son-in-law, Dennis Trahan.
Dale is survived by his wife Pamela and children, Steven Petry and wife Judy of Elk City, Okla., Debbie Primeaux and husband Herman of Topsy, Tammy Trahan of Fenton, Cynthia Petry of Iowa, Kevin Petry and wife Brenda of Moss Bluff, Brent Petry of Fenton, John Petry and wife Lisa of Moss Bluff, Calee Cloutier of Orange, Texas, Moses and Janet Ochen of Uganda, George Okello of Uganda, Evelyn Namukose of Uganda, and Hollie Gage of Sulphur.
Dale leaves behind 19 grandchildren; seven adopted grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Margie Long and her daughter Judith Trotti of San Antonio, Texas; and one brother, Artie Petry and wife Martha of Sulphur.
The family received friends on Tuesday, June 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Christian Life Church, 1805 West Street in Vinton.
The funeral service will be held at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, with Pastor Don Snider and Rev. Alfred Lee Gibson officiating. Interment will follow at Westlake Memorial Cemetery in Westlake.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
