Wm.A.C. Pettit, III - (Bill)

Born 4-25-32 at Fredericks Hall (Louisa County), Virginia

Died 3-14-12 at home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Lived in Town of Louisa, VA Louisa County High School, 1949 University of Virginia, 1954

Bill was preceded in death by father W.A. Claude Pettit, Jr., mother Ony Ardaille Jones (Mrs. Walter J. Wray, Mrs. Wm. A. Claude Pettit, Jr.), half-brother Gayle B. Wray, and cousin Sherman W. Pettit, Jr.

Always involved in father's business – PETTIT BROTHERS – CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH and later adding DODGE and JEEP – Bill took over the business at his father's passing and also was appointed DMV license agent for Louisa County which the senior Pettit had held since 1943.

The Pettits opened their Museum of Motoring Memories at Natural Bridge, VA in late 1958. Bill was resident curator and director until its closing in late 1967. The museum displayed part of their 150 vintage car collection as well as automobiles, and included over 4,000 license plates from around the world. Bill was active in various Virginia travel promotion organizations during those years and served terms as a director or as vice president of Shenandoah Valley Inc., which promoted the attractions and the natural beauty of that valley area extending from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke / Salem, Virginia.

Bill was active in many of the vintage car clubs dating back as far as 1950, most notably the Rolls Royce Owners Club, serving several years handling membership, and the Old Dominion Packard Club, serving three years as President and continuing to provide art work for their events even after retiring to New Smyrna Beach, FL in early 2002.

On advice of physicians, Bill became an active bicyclist to the extent that health allowed. He is survived by cousins; Peggy Pettit of Dunedin, FL, Anita Pettit McKibben of Navarre, FL, Overton B. Pettit, Jr. of LaFayette, AL, Martha Bailey Pettit Wilson of Danville, VA, and Pembroke R. Pettit of Fredericks Hall, VA.

Bill requests no flowers, rather please send memorial contributions to a children's philanthropy, e.g. Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

A memorial service will be held in Louisa, VA at a future date.