Russell L Pettit

Russell L. Pettit, 94, passed away March 23, 2021.  Born in Washington, Pennsylvania on February 3rd, 1927.

Russ lived most of his life, the last 50 years in Northfield, Ohio. Russ served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and as an Army boxer won the Golden Gloves in his weight class. He always loved to be behind the wheel of a truck or car. At age 15, he drove a semi for Motor Express in Cleveland. He said one day when he was a teenager, he dreamed that he was driving a truck, and he knew that was what he was meant to do. Russ retired from the Cleveland Plain Dealer as a Truck Driver/District Manager, as a member of the Teamsters Union.

He attended Faith Family Church in North Canton. Russ enjoyed visiting nursing homes, and caring for the homeless, and those who were down on their luck. Russ always carried around little personal bibles that had verses of comfort. He handed out literally thousands of these during his lifetime.

Whether he was chasing an ambulance, visiting the homeless or just eating in a restaurant, Russ, always asked anyone who would listen: “Have you heard that Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life? If you don't, you can ask him into your heart, right now, and your sins can be washed away, all you have to do is be sorry for your sins, believe and receive, and Jesus will honor your prayer!” Many came to Christ through Russ's one on one ministry.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Pettit; daughters, Tamara Jaffal, Ruth Ann Sater; son, Samuel Pettit; father, James R Pettit, mother Thelma Kelly, sisters, Ramona Pajestka, Delores Greenmiller; brothers, Ronald Pettit and James Pettit.

Russ is survived by his sons, James R. Pettit of Akron, John L. Pettit of Cleveland, Thomas (Mary) Peters of Fort Myers, FL; James (Mildred) Peters of Zanesville; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, March 30,2021 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. Tallmadge, OH 44278 (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Donovan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made at:
The Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E Market St. Akron, OH 44308, in memory of Russell Pettit’s name.

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