Gail (Scott) Petty

DATELINE:  KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA Anita Gail Petty

Anita Gail Petty, 72 of Kings Mountain, died at her home Saturday, February 22, 2025. She was born May 21, 1952, in War, West Virginia to Ruby Sheets Scott and the late Robert Harrison Scott. In addition to her father, Gail was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Bowman. Those who hold her memory close include her husband of 54 years, Keith Petty of the home, her mother, Ruby Scott of Stanley, daughter, Melissa Petty of Kings Mountain, son Brian Petty and wife Megan Ward of High Point, brother, Richard Scott and wife Rose of Stanley, grandchildren Elizabeth, Lauren, Britt, Gabe and Ella, nieces Christy, Amanda, Jennifer, Sabrina, and late nephew, Scott. Gail’s love extended beyond family to her many cherished friends, especially Angel and Farrel Lovelace. Gail worked at Putnam Distributors, where she assisted businesses, mechanics, and friends in finding the parts needed to keep their vehicles—and their lives—running smoothly. She enjoyed the people she worked with but when retirement appeared on the horizon, she counted down the days. She spent her last 10 years of retirement quietly enjoying her family, gardening, and tending to her horses, chickens, goats, dogs, and cats. Gail was an excellent fisherwoman, and most of her fishing stories were true. She spent countless evenings on her front porch, rocking in her chair with family and friends, sharing laughter and the occasional conspiracy, with the sounds of music and wind chimes in the air. Gail had a sharp wit and a mischievous streak. She would hide a giant stuffed rat named Waldo around her house, delighting in the surprise it gave anyone who happened to pass by. She loved giving gifts, often wrapping them with so much tape that it could take 20 minutes to open. Her birthday cards were written in backward handwriting, requiring you to read them in a mirror. When you told her you loved her, she always replied, “Love you more.” Gail, with her closest friends, organized the annual May Party, a big celebration for the birthdays of her friends. She and the other 'Maybabies' would spend months planning a weekend full of great food, live music, family fun, and an unforgettable weekend-long party in the family’s Mayforest. For many of her friends, it was the highlight of the year.

Friends and family will gather Thursday, February 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 108 South Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain. Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly asks that you plant something that will remind you of Gail. She found much joy in watching things grow.

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA