Cover for John Wesley Petty's Obituary

John Wesley Petty

January 7, 1940 — March 29, 2026

Little Rock

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JOHN WESLEY PETTY

John Wesley Petty, 86, was called to be with the Lord on March 29, 2026. John was the proud husband of Mary Sue Petty. They shared a devoted and loving marriage that began in June 1974.

John was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to parents Clyde Petty and Okla Latch in 1940. In 1960, he started his own business and took great pride in serving the greater Little Rock area for more than 40 years as an independent roofing contractor. Upon his retirement from his roofing business, “Mr. John” (as the school kids called him) continued to serve his local community as an East End Elementary school bus driver. He retired from the East End School District in 2014 after 15 years of faithful and dedicated service to our youth.

John enjoyed the simple things in life. He would simply sit for hours and watch the wildlife from his front porch rocking chair. While he loved to laugh and enjoy the simple things, what he loved most was his beautiful wife and family.

John is survived by his loving wife of more than 51 years, Mary Sue; his daughter, Laura; and his son John II. He is preceded in death by his daughter Rebecca Sue Judy, and his two brothers, Junior Kilmer and Bill Kilmer.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 08, 2026, at 2:00PM at the Smith Family Funeral Home located at 322 N. Market St. Benton, AR 72015.

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you". (John 16:22)

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Funeral Service

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Smith Family Funeral Home Benton

322 N Market Street, Benton, AR 72015

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Burial

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Starts at 3:30 pm (Central time)

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