Earl Ray Petty, 95, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018. He was a 52 year resident of Greenwood, Indiana.  He was born in Fordsville, KY on May 24, 1923 to Frank and Mary Petty and graduated from Fordsville High School in 1942.  He served in WWII as a Private First Class with the 1st Battalion 115th Infantry from 1943 to 1946. As a Pistol Marksman with the anti-tank gun crew, he earned four bronze stars and the World War II Victory Medal. Following the war he met and married his wife Eva Redfern Petty in 1947. He was employed by Factory Mutual Insurance Company as an Electrical Inspection Engineer for 30 years and retired in 1986. Ray was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 52 years where he served as a deacon, usher, Sunday School teacher, choir member and trustee.  He also volunteered in local missions and the Meals on Wheels program. Ray loved life and had many God given interests and hobbies.  He was an avid reader, liked to write poetry and songs, and could play several musical instruments including the guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano and dulcimer, with his favorite being the violin.  While in high school he played with a local band on the radio and continued playing with friends and family throughout his life.  Wood working was his ultimate passion and he designed and made items in his shop for his church including the current pastor pulpit, classroom podiums, tables for children's Sunday School classes, attendance board, coat racks and umbrella stands. He also made toys, doll beds and wall decorations for his grandchildren and many beautiful keepsake items for his children. Ray was a dedicated Christian who had a giving heart and compassion for all people.  He was a wonderful husband and a loving father and grandfather.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Eva Petty;  children,  Linda C. Gibson of Cincinnati, Ohio (Danny),  Janet L. Ray, of Houston, Texas (Michael) and Stephen R. Petty of Swansboro, NC (Teresa); ten grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in deaths by his mother, father, and brother, Ercel Petty. Visitation and service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church, 200 Sunset Blvd., Greenwood, IN, 46142 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and a funeral service at 11:00 am.  A military burial service will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 State Rd. 135, Greenwood, IN.