Obituary of Earnest Lee Pettway

ASHTABULA – Earnest Lee Pettway, 79, departed this life on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. He was born on February 15, 1943 in Safford, Alabama, the son of Sam and Mary (Gooden) Pettway, and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life. A graduate of Keith High School in Orrville, AL, he attended trade school before moving to Ashtabula in the 1960's. Upon moving to Ashtabula, he was a member of the National Guard. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a custodian for the Ashtabula Area City Schools. He previously worked at the A&B and Pinney Dock, Perry's Park News, Jerry Sinkler Ford, Nassief Pontiac/Cadillac, and Ducro Funeral Home (doing general maintenance and detailing cars). Earnest attended Hiawatha COGIC. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. His most prized possessions were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would boast proudly about his children, spoil his grandchildren with money (he would say, "they need a few bucks in their pockets") and take and pick up his great-grandchildren from school and would make a stop at McDonalds before bringing them home. Earnest would unexpectedly stop by and surprise his great-children by bringing them popsicles and other treats. He loved listening to the "Blues", playing the harmonica, dancing, having cookouts, and shopping at Walmart. He was a dedicated and avid Cleveland sports fan. Earnest enjoyed fixing things around his house and his children's houses, watching the news, reading the newspaper, and lending a hand to help someone else. Earnest was a giving, caring, and selfless soul. His generosity and kind soul will be forever remembered by many. His pride and joy was his canary yellow 1966 GTO convertible which was used on many occasions to drive members of the Homecoming Court during the Homecoming parade. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gloria (Benton) Pettway, who he married June 29, 1968; five daughters, Aundrea "Michelle" Hunt, Letitia Pettway, Cassandra "Sandy" Pettway, Tonya Pettway, and Angela (Juan) Solis; ten grandchildren: Javonte' R., Janea E. and Jonah R.E. Lacy, Devin Williams, Jaijuan Solis, Aaron Thompson, Jada Calvin, Jacqlyn A., Jaidyn M., and Mycole R.M. Solís; six great-grandchildren, Ja'Nelysse and Julieanah Lacy and Layla, Lexington, Lulani, and Liona Lower; two sisters, Virginia (Joseph) Grant and Mattie Pettway; two brothers, Roosevelt (Florence) Pettway and Willie (Kitty) Pettway; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Sam Pettway, Jr., and James "Sonny" Goodwin. Calling hours will be held from 5-8 PM Friday, September 2, 2022 at the DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula and from 10-11AM Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Hiawatha COGIC, 3417 Hiawatha Ave, Ashtabula. A service will be held 11AM Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Hiawatha COGIC. Superintendent David Howard, Jr. and Earnest's nephew, Elder Sean Adam, will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridgeview Cemetery. THE FAMILY REQUESTS AND ENCOURAGES MASKS TO BE WORN AT SERVICES. Contributions may be made to the family in his memory. Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com. Services will be stream on you tube at the following Link: https://youtu.be/8BfWrTB_PZk