Wilson T.

Pettway

Wilson Tyrone Pettway
Affectionately known as Sam, Papa Sam, Sam I Am, or P-Dog

Wilson Tyrone Pettway was born on June 25, 1964, to the late Emma May Pettway, lovingly known as "Cutie," and Ellis May. At an early age, Sam accepted Christ as his Savior and maintained membership at Trinity Lutheran Evangelist Church, laying the foundation for a life rooted in faith. Sam was a proud graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School, Class of 1982. On Monday, December 29, 2025, Wilson Tyrone Pettway was called home to be with the lord. Sam was a man of conviction, purpose, and undeniable presence; someone whose impact was felt wherever he went.

After high school, Sam ventured away from Mobile, Alabama, to what became his second home, Cleveland, Ohio. That journey marked a defining chapter in his life; always staying active and competitive. During this journey he birthed two sons, Samuel "Lil Sam" Pettway and Say'von Pettway. Sam returned home to Mobile as a devoted father but his family was not yet complete until the birth of his daughter, Sam'mesha Pettway, whom he cherished deeply. He began a career with Sunshine Commercial Cleaning, Inc., where he dedicated over 18 years of service.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Emma May Pettway ("Cutie"). He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Arlette Pettway; his children, Samuel "Lil Sam" Pettway, Say'von Pettway, Sam'mesha Pettway, Gloria Whitfield and Robbie Green; his grandchildren, Kaiser Jayden Pettway, Khloe Whitfield, Makenzie Whitfield, Carson Whitfield, and Rhilee Greenlee; his father, Ellis May; his devoted brothers, Kenneth Pettway (Diane) and Ellis "Bo" May (Monique); his devoted sister, Santitia "Lucy" Gildersleeve (Clenzo) of Mobile, Alabama; his nieces, Keiaria May, Sharnika Gildersleeve, Jada Gildersleeve, Kyana Sisk (Steven) of Atlanta, Georgia, Elise May and Kayliana Pettway; his nephews, Ellis "EJ" May (Katelyn) of Atlanta, Georgia, Kalvin McThune-Glass, Keyon McThune, and Ka'Javon Pettway; his great nieces, Kaylen Sisk, Kalani Sisk, Skylar Sisk and Elle May; his great-nephews, Steven Sisk, Tylen Taylor and Skylen Taylor; his "partner in crime," Walter Watkins of Bedford, Ohio; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and loved ones whose lives were forever changed by his presence.

A public visitation for Mr. Sam (Wilson T. Pettway) will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mauvilla, Alabama.