George Wilson Pettiford Sr.

Mr. George Wilson Pettiford, Sr., affectionately known to many as “Deacon George,” of Roxboro, peacefully departed this life on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love and legacy he spent a lifetime building. He was 81 years old. He was born to the late Clarence and Geneva Blackwell Pettiford.

Deacon George was a proud graduate of Person County High School. He faithfully served at Lawson Chapel Baptist Church, where he was a dedicated member of the Deacon Board, Usher Board, Male Chorus, and Laymen League. His faith and commitment to serving others were evident in every aspect of his life.

Earlier in life, Deacon George was a devoted softball coach who enjoyed mentoring and encouraging others. He found joy in fishing, spending time outdoors, and riding his lawn mower — simple pleasures that brought him peace and happiness.

Deacon George was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful servant of God, and respected pillar within his family and community. He leaves to cherish his memory and preserve his legacy his devoted wife, Flossie B. Pettiford; his children, Karl Pettiford (Linda Pettiford), Canary Graves-Parker, George Pettiford, Jr. (Sharon Pettiford), Lora Pettiford-Cunningham (Terry Cunningham), Stacey Poole, Cory Pettiford, and Devon Brown (Angie Brown); and a special honorable mention, Shonda Dillehay Nicco, a cherished childhood neighbor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Justine Pettiford, Shirley Ann Thorpe, Melvin Pettiford, Jeffrey Pettiford, Jeanette Clay, and Roy Pettiford.

Deacon George also leaves behind his beloved siblings: Catherine Holloway, Mary Jones, Randolph Pettiford, Rev. Elizabeth McCoy, Omega Armstrong, and Shelby Pettiford.

His love and wisdom will continue to live on through a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with special honorable mentions to Keith Royster, Shonta Trotter, Nickolas Trotter, B’Sonne Bynum, and Lauryn Pettiford.

Above all, Deacon George will be remembered for his wisdom, steady presence, and unforgettable favorite saying: “Some things you just don’t do.”

Though he will be deeply missed, the love, lessons, laughter, and memories he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him forever.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 1:00 - 6:00pm at the Alan L. Lawson Mortuary Chapel, 209 Chub Lake Street, Roxboro, NC 27573. Family will be present from 4:00 - 6:00pm. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Lawson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Lawson Chapel Church Rd., Roxboro, NC 27574. Pastor Rev. Dr. Langston D. Logan, Sr., eulogist.

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