Our beloved husband, father and PeePaw; CAPT. George Layton Pettigrew peacefully departed this earthly life on November 14, 2023, at the age of 84. He was born on April 3, 1939, to George Newton Pettigrew and Gerelia Anne (Layton) Pettigrew in Dallas, Texas.
Serving his country for over 56 years, George enlisted in the United States Public Health Service and then was a Civil Servant, where he had an esteemed career as a Nuclear Engineer and a Health Physicist. His passion for service led him to excel in his role as the manager and ATSDR Regional Director in Dallas. With profound commitment, he served in various capacities, touching the lives of countless individuals with his exemplary leadership and selflessness. George started his career with NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), was instrumental in providing much needed worker protection standards that were later adopted by OSHA and set up the 10 regional offices that would become ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). His Public Health Service duties were to protect the citizens of the US against any chemical or radiation threats; including examples such as Chernobyl, the Erin Brockovich Hinkley water contamination lawsuit, September 2011 Terrorist Attacks, Space Shuttle Columbia crash, Hurricane Katrina along with many other events that serve as a testament to his devotion to protecting the country.
On June 6, 1962, Layton married the love of his life, Margaret Gail Walden, in Dallas. Their marriage of over 61 years was filled with love, faith, family and friends. As a devoted husband and father, he cherished every moment spent with family and worked tirelessly to provide for them.
Layton was an active member of Arapahoe UMC, Spring Valley UMC for many years and then Suncreek United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas after they moved to McKinney. His faith was of great importance to him, and he found guidance, and community within the walls of his church.
As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Layton leaves behind a legacy of love and care. He was a pillar of strength for his family, always providing unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional love. Layton enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories that we will always treasure.
George Layton Pettigrew was a man of honor, integrity, and loyalty. His kindness, generosity, and devotion to family and country will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 61 years, Gail Pettigrew of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Cindy Avellanet and husband, Mark of McKinney, Texas and Kimberly Bearden and husband, Brent of Fort Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren, Britney Dressler and husband, John of Anna, Texas, Heather Sumner of McKinney, Texas, Samantha Meshchaninov and husband, Charlie of Brooklyn, New York, John Sumner, III and wife, Dani of McKinney, Texas and Savannah Bearden of Portland, Oregan; five great-grandchildren, Julian, Emery, Hailie, Olivia and Rowen; and a host of other loving family members and cherished friends.
Layton was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry Pettigrew.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Suncreek United Methodist Church, 1517 West McDermott Drive, Allen, Texas 75013.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday evening, November 17, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. A second visitation will be held Saturday afternoon, November 18, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home prior to the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation in honor of his great-granddaughter and namesake, Olivia Layton Pool.