Paul Edward Pettibone, 87, of Port Charlotte Fl, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born June 29, 1925 in Ashville, Ohio, the son of William Maston and Georgia Pearl Pettibone. Paul was a veteran of the U.S Navy during World War II, where he entered Gunnery School and served as an Aviation Radio Operator. After his discharge from the Navy, he went to work with the Southern Bell Telephone Company as an installer. Throughout his almost forty-two-year career he rose through the ranks and created technology that was the precursor for today’s cellphone. He retired in 1987 as District Engineer at AT&T.

Because of his insatiable zest for life, Paul started his day on the lanai with a cup of coffee, reading his Bible and admiring the world around him. He loved to be outside, whether it was playing golf, taking a walk or working in the yard. He was an avid reader and sometimes had more than one book going at a time. Friends & family always remembered him for his beautiful smile. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte where he served as a deacon and a trustee.

Paul will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Marietta; his daughter Linda Stone of Nashville, TN, and his stepdaughters Martha (Everett) McKeown of Orlando, FL, and Leigh Anne (Philip) Goldstine of Knoxville, TN. He had eight grandchildren, Connie Dunlop, Matt Stone, Joshua Gianitsis, Grant and Matthew Goldstine, Austin Pettibone, Lisa Webb and Rachel Lyles, and three great-grandchildren, Rachel Wilburn, Abby Dunlop and Eli Webb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary Jane, son Paul Jr. and half-brother Floyd.

A celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 20, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte, 20035 Quesada Avenue. Visitation with family is 10:00AM -10:45AM, Service immediately following at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte or Tidewell Hospice.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services Port Charlotte Chapel.