George Franklin Petitte, 91, passed away peacefully, in the home of his daughter in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Monday, April 27, 2026. George was born January 27, 1935, in Morgantown, to the late Frank Petitte and Mary Anne Maracci.
Born during the Great Depression to Italian immigrant parents, George understood the value of hard work from a young age. George began working as a golf caddy in 1948 at the age of 13, and shared that he caddied for famous golfer Sam Snead that year. This work on the golf course began George’s lifelong passion for golf. George went on to play on the West Virginia University golf team and to play in, and win, many local and regional golf tournaments. He was especially proud to have played the course at Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Master’s Tournament. When asked who he thought was the greatest golfer to ever don the green jacket, he replied, without hesitation, that it could only be Jack Nicklaus.
George graduated from West Virginia University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
Following his graduation, George served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 and in the Reserves from 1959-1963.
Following his military service, George worked as an accountant primarily for Sterling Faucet and Chico Dairy Company. He continued working part-time even after retirement until January 2026.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Herman and Gene Petitte; one sister, Lillian Rinaldi; and his beloved wife of 64 years, Janice.
George is survived by two daughters, Diane Haigler (Joe) of Fuquay-Varina, Donna Godwin (Marc) of Holly Springs, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Zach Lodder of Raleigh, N.C., Nick Lodder of Cary, N.C., and Alex and Emma Godwin of Holly Springs, N.C.
Friends and family will be received in Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, Monday, May 4, from 10 until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor John DeVincent officiating. Interment will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
