Julian Butch Petrea

Obituary: Mr. Julian (Butch) Melton Petrea, 67, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 11, 1944, in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Crawford (Buck) Petrea and Maudie Moore Petrea. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Ann Petrea. Butch was educated in the Cabarrus County Schools before serving in the U.S. Army from 1969-1970 in the 3rd Army, 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion 28th Infantry "Black Lions" Lai Khe, Vietnam. He received medals in Army Commendation, National Defense, Vietnam Campaign, Expert Marksman and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 909 Association. He later worked for Gamewell Mfg. and Pillowtex Corp. Fabric Print Dept. Butch was an avid NASCAR fan, loved fishing, beach trips and the Tams. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m Monday, July 9, 2012 at North Kannapolis United Methodist Church with the Rev. Roger Bostic officiating. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park with full military graveside honors. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Whitley's Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Frances Lynnette Clark Petrea of the home; son, Tony Petrea of Concord; daughters Kay Prevette of Clayton and Shelley Banther of Concord; brother, John (J.D.) Petrea and wife, Judy; sisters, Virginia Runett Crosby, Katheryn Earnhardt and husband, David, and Sandra Petrea all of Kannapolis; 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and his special niece Kate Kate. A special thanks to his niece, Sharon and her husband, Mike Quinn for the adventures and everything you did to make his days brighter. Memorials may be made to North Kannapolis UMC, 1307 N. Main St., Kannapolis, NC; Hospice & Palliative Care of Rowan County, 720 Grove St, Salisbury, NC 30144; or Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 909. Online condolences may be made at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 5:00-7:00 P.M. Sunday July 8, 2012 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday July 9, 2012 North Kannapolis United Methodist Church

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park