Thomas Odell Pettus, age 97, passed away on January 24, 2026. He was born on December 31, 1928, in York County, South Carolina, to the late Daniel N. Pettus and Mable Lee Broome Pettus.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Pettus was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy Walker Pettus, and his brother, Hoyle Gene Pettus.
He is survived by his children, Thomas Michael Pettus and Carolyn Pettus Flenniken; his grandchildren, Thomas Michael Pettus Jr (Mary), Jason Scott Pettus (Melissa), Michael Adam Pettus (Sheila), Richard Brian Gardner (Karen), Dana Flenniken Jackson (fiancé, Russ), and Christy Michelle Flenniken; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Thomas “Odell” Pettus was a proud Eagle Scout, earning the rank in 1946. Scouting played a significant role in his life and character. He was deeply influenced by his mother, whom he credited as being instrumental in his success in Scouting, encouraging him and helping him complete the requirements to achieve Eagle Scout.
Mr. Pettus was involved in Boy Scouts Troop 108 for approximately 15 years, where he not only earned his Eagle Scout rank but later served as a Scoutmaster. He spoke fondly of camping, projects, and the camaraderie of Scouting, noting that the experience taught him leadership, responsibility, and how to work well with others. He often expressed gratitude for the lifelong friendships formed through Scouting and for the opportunity to give back by mentoring young men.
His Eagle Scout experience continued to influence his life beyond youth. When he entered the United States Navy in 1947, the leadership skills he gained through Scouting helped prepare him for service. He served during the Korean War, working as a physical therapist, including time spent at a naval hospital in Maryland and later in Long Beach, California, where he assisted in the recovery of fellow servicemen. After retiring, Mr. Pettus worked at Springs Complex in Fort Mill, SC until he was 90 years old.
Family will receive friends on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 130 Tom Hall Street, Fort Mill, SC, 29715. The celebration of life will begin at 2:30 PM. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/2_MdmG1__DY. Inurnment will take place after the service at Neely’s Creek ARP, 974 Neely’s Creek Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29730.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Thomas Pettus name to Neely’s Creek ARP Church Cemetery Fund, 974 Neely’s Creek Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29730.
Condolences may be made to the family at greenefuneralhome.net.