Hoyle Ronnie Petties, affectionately known as, "Tillet", was born August 18, 1954, in Tatums, Oklahoma to the late Rosie Mae (Anderson) Petties & Allie Petties. Delivered at the family home by a midwife, Tillet was the next to youngest of six children.
At an early age, Tillet accepted Christ at Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. D.H. Jackson. He participated in the Junior Masons, affiliated with Friendship Lodge No. 79 in Tatums.
Tillet began his education at Tatums School, attending Head Start through sixth grade. He later attended Fox Public Schools, where he enjoyed football, basketball, & track, graduating with the Fox High School Class of 1974.
Tillet was a family-oriented man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. His greatest passion was spending quality time with family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting and has a special love for classic cars, particularly his Cutlass and Oldsmobile. During his early adult years, Tillet dedicated approximately 15 years working at B&B Tool Company. Later in life, he spent several years working on Emil Franklin's Ranch.
Known throughout the community for his barbeque, Tillet took great pride in preparing barbeque on his big old-school smoker pit. He carried on the family tradition of making the famous "Tatum Red" barbeque sauce, a treasured recipe passed down from his father. His generosity extended beyond his own table, as he often prepared and delivered barbeque plates to elders throughout the community.
Tillet also enjoyed playing dominoes with the fellas, and with the Big Six Domino Club under the shade tree. Whether sharing a meal, telling stories, laughing or enjoying a competitive game of dominos, he created memories that will forever be cherished.
Tillet was preceded in death by his loving parents, Rosie Mae (Anderson) Petties and Allie Petties; his brothers, Billie Brooks, Herman Williams and Murl "Chuck" Petties Sr. and his special nephew, John Boy.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving sisters, Johnnie Mae Hooks and Vivian Petties, both of Tatums, Oklahoma; his special nieces, Selena Hooks, Rosenta Hooks, Jernee Hooks, Shabrenna Hooks, Diamond Hooks, Judy Clark and Valerie Humphrey; his special nephews, Donyal Petties, Dominique Petties, Chris Petties and Murl Petties II; and a host of additional relatives, dear friends and school mates.
Tillet also shared a lifelong brotherhood with two special loved ones, Larry Swindall (Maxine) of Tatums, Oklahoma and Turk Prince of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Tillet's kindness, generosity, love for his family and unforgettable personality will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on through the laughter he shared, the barbeque he prepared and the countless lives he touched.
Rest peacefully, Tillet. Your work here is done. Your love will never be forgotten.