Willie Ray Pettaway

Willie Ray Pettaway (a.k.a. Joe Pete) peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 22 at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton.  He was born in Edgecombe County North Carolina on September 10, 1946 to the late James Langley and Bertha Pettaway.

 He was educated in the Edgecombe County Public Schools where he graduated in the Class of 1967 from W. A. Pattillo High School located in Tarboro. Until he was declared medically disable, Joe Pete worked eight years as a Joiner in Dept. 32 at Newport News Shipbuilding.

 Joe Pete was a sports enthusiast. His favorite team was the Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Red Skins), who he referred to as the Commodores.  He also had a special fondness for the Los Angeles Lakers. Joe Pete was a dedicated member of the Beau Brummel Civic & Social Club in Hampton for 9 years.  He was known at the club for cooking delicious fried chicken wings and his jovial personality. People came from surrounding cities to purchase the chicken wings and requested his personal service on special occasions held at the club.  

 Joe Pete loved the Lord with all his heart and he was a diligent member of Faith Baptist Church in Newport News for about 15 years where he worshipped regularly. He was a member of the Men’s Ministry. Although he was physically unable to attend church after his health declined, Joe Pete frequented his church’s bible study and Sunday services via zoom right up to the end of his earthly existence.

 He married his high school sweetheart, Vinie Mae Knight, and they were married 56 years. They initially lived in Newport News and later moved to Hampton. They nurtured and raised two daughters, Monique and Kim. He was a devoted and loving husband, daddy, granddaddy, great granddaddy, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

 Joe Pete was a friendly, cheerful soul who never met a stronger.  He was as comfortable talking to the President as he was talking to the homeless. He was a kind and compassionate person who was always ready to befriend others and he was gifted at making others feel comfortable in his presence.

 In addition to his parents, James Langley and Bertha Pettaway, Joe Pete is proceeded in death by one brother, Matty and one sister, Yvonne. He is survived by a multiplicity of loving and caring relatives including:  his wife, Vinie Mae Knight Pettaway of the home; two daughters, Monique Pettaway and Kim P. Dixon; five grandchildren, Anthony, Nyiesha, Fantasia, Andre and Zay Pettaway; five great grandchildren, Chrisean Pettaway-Davis, Chriseana Pettaway-Davis, Christian Pettaway-Davis, Anjel Pettaway and Eva Johnson; a step mother, Mary S. Langley;  one sister, Carlein White; seven brothers, James, Jr., Alphonso, Tyrone, Alonzo, and Larry Langley, also David Tony and Charles Council; six brothers-in law, Horace, Jr., Jim, David, Earl, Clarence and Leon Knight; and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe Pete will be sorely missed, but he will always remain in the hearts of all who loved him.

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