Leslie "Les" Boyd Petty

October 17, 1945 - July 31, 2022

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Obituary For Leslie "Les" Boyd Petty

Leslie “Les” Boyd Petty, 76, of Jacksonville passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home in Jacksonville, surrounded by his family.

Les was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to the late Ray and Winnifred Olson Petty. Also preceding him in death was a brother, David Wallace Petty.

Les is survived by his daughter, Tammy Bunting and husband, Ricky of Camden, NC; son, Richard Petty and wife, Lisa of Hanford, CA; brother, Michael Petty and wife, Sandra of Olympia, WA; sister, Karen Russell of Ashland, OR; Grandchildren; Melissa Boyce (TK) of Greenville, NC, Ashley Johnston (Tyler) of Concord, NC, Jacob Bunting and Hailey Bunting both of Camden, NC, Mackenzie Petty and Adam Petty both of Hanford, CA, and two great grandchildren, Trey and Trevor Boyce both of Greenville, NC and many loving nieces and nephews.

To say Les was an amazing man would be an understatement. He was not only kind and caring, but generous to a fault. He lit up the room with his great big, beautiful smile. Adventure was his middle name. Les lost Gloria, his loving and faithful wife of nearly 53 years, just over a year ago. His heart was broken beyond mending. Even with his family by his side he missed her dearly. They would take cross country trips every year to visit family and friends. Family was everything to both of them.

Les retired from the United States Marine Corp a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 25 years as a helicopter pilot. He was a proud Marine and had many accomplishments during his career. After graduating high school in 1964 from Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Or, Les joined the United States Marine Corps in February of 1965. In the Marines, he attained the rank of Lance Corporal until 1968 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During this time, Les completed the Basic course at MCDEC Quantico, VA in April of 1969. In the following year January 1970, Les achieved his "Wings of Gold" and was designated as a Naval Aviator. During the next couple of years, Les was in several different commands. In 1978 Les left California for North Carolina to be assigned to MCB Camp Lejeune. In July 1979 he attained his "Jump Wings" Parachutist Insignia. That same year Les was assigned to MCAS New River where he completed several missions. His last assignment was Executive Officer of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan from Aug 1990-July 1993. In August of 1993 Les retired from the United States Marine Corps. Les joined Marine Chevrolet in 1994 as a salesman over the years. Les advanced through various management positions until he retired. Les worked as a volunteer for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

Although, Les is no longer with us on this earth, he will be in our hearts and memories forever.

A Funeral service will be held from 12:30-1:30pm, Friday, August 5, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home, 2685 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546. Burial will follow for 2:00pm at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540.

The family will receive friends, prior to the service from 11:30am-12:30pm also at Johnson Funeral Home.

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Condolences

  • August 10, 2022

    I knew him as Major Petty and only shared a short period with him. Great man, great pilot and great Marine. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends. Rest in peace sir! Semper Fi! Frank Rotundo

  • August 04, 2022

    God Speed Les! We will miss our dear friend. To the Petty family, may God be with you during this difficult time. RIP my friend. Karen and Chandra

  • August 04, 2022

    To The Les Petty Family, We are all saddened to learn of the passing of LT Colonel Les Petty. As a longtime member he had many friendships. Les, was involved in the leadership of SENCLAND MOAA for many years, working side by side making this Chapter a success that remains today. SENCLAND MOAA and its membership will miss his presence and friendship greatly. We all mourn with the family in these difficult days. SENCLAND MOAA - Leon Rooks

  • August 04, 2022

    God speed Les. It was an honor and pleasure to serve with you in Iwakuni. Semper Fi. Mike Shaughness

  • August 03, 2022

    Les Petty was one of the finest Marine pilots I had the pleasure to serve with. He cared about his troops and always had their backs. Anyone that flew with him, will tell you about his skills as a 53 HAC. He was the best of the best and will be missed by many... RIP, Sir

  • August 03, 2022

    My condolences to Les' loved ones in their time of loss. Les was a great officer, Naval Aviator, and Marine. It was a pleasure to have flown with him and to have known him.

  • August 02, 2022

    So very sorry for your loss. Reading your dad's history he was such a accomplished military man. May he rest in peace

Tributes

  • America the Beautiful

    America the Beautiful was sent for Leslie "Les" Boyd Petty - August 03, 2022

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