Pettyjohn, David Ralston

David Ralston Pettyjohn, age 94, of Georgetown, DE passed away on March 23, 2010 at the home of his daughter. Ralston Pettyjohn was born on June 9, 1915, to the late Golda A. Sr. and Hattie Pettyjohn. At age 12, Ralston suffered a serious foot injury in a tractor accident, and in order to receive school bus service, relocated to Lewes to live with his Aunt Nan and Uncle Willie Truitt for 5 years during his recuperation. He graduated from Lewes High School in 1933. However, despite Ralston's physical setback, he went on to become a renowned pitcher for both Lewes High School and the Sussex Bees. His love for baseball followed him for the rest of his life.

In 1938, Ralston married the former Mildred Dorey. He first worked for Parks Goodnight and Old Line Construction Co., as a heavy equipment operator. Then, he was employed at Townsend's Inc. and eventually became one of the first servicemen for the company. He also tended to his own poultry farm until his retirement from Townsend's in 1981. Following retirement, Ralston enjoyed a life of bowling, shooting pool, watching baseball and traveling. Ralston was a member of St. John's U.M.C., performing with the St. John's Quartet through the years, and he religiously attended Zoar U.M.C. in Millsboro where he was a member of the choir. He was also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 3 and served on the Georgetown School Board of Education from 1959 - 1967. Anyone who knew Ralston knew his love of the Lord, family, and good food. But most significantly, in Ralston's senior yearbook, it states, "That for which we will remember Ralston is his calm temperament and good nature."

In addition to his parents, Ralston was preceded in death by his wife Mildred Dorey Pettyjohn in 1977; his brother Golda A Pettyjohn("Bugsy" to most, "Bud" to Ralston); and his son-in-law Norman "Buff" Taylor. He is survived by his two daughters, Gail Megee and husband Floyd and Gaye King and husband Irvin; 4 grandchildren, Lisa Steele and husband Tony, Ron Megee and wife Brigid, Don Megee and wife Tara of Georgetown, and Loriann White and husband Chris of Millsboro; 3 step-grandchildren, Michael King and wife Stephanie of Middletown, Kathy King and Dean Parker of Millsboro, and Christina Shaw and husband Andreas of Georgetown; 7 great-grandchildren, Colby Steele, Corey Jean Megee, Chelsea Megee, Chase Megee, Lake Megee, Maggie White and Kit White; 6 Step-great-grandchildren, Zachary King, Jeremy King, Shelby King, Jessica Cannon, Shannon Moore, Dustin Mitchell; 3 Step-great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, June Pettyjohn and Madelyn Dorey of Georgetown, Thelma Monroe, Leah Dorey, and Betty Jo Collins and husband Donald of Millsboro; his cousin David Truitt and wife Helen of Lewes; and many nieces and nephews. Lastly, he is survived by his devoted friend of many years, Verdie West of Dagsboro.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday March 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Watson Funeral Home 211 S. Washington St. Millsboro, Delaware where friends may call from 11 - 2. Rev. Arthur Backus and Rev. Dr. Edward Wilkins will officiate. Interment will be in St. John's UMC Cemetery, Springfield Crossroads Georgetown, Delaware.

Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home Millsboro, Delaware

(03/24/10)