William Pethel

Obituary: CSM William F. Pethel, USA (RET) born March 4, 1932, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 17, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, July 24, at 4pm at Whitley's Event Center, adjacent to Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28083. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with military rites in the Fall of this year. CSM Pethel is survived by wife Janice Pethel, son Jesse Iann McGill (Aisha), grandson Wesley Weber (Lacey), grandchildren Greyson, Jackson, and Hazel McGill, and great grandchildren Cash Weber and Stella Weber. He was preceded in death by daughter Susan Pethel-Kelley, and sister, Kay Pethel Clark. "Jimmy", as he was affectionately known, humbly dedicated his life to defending our country. He earned his first Silver Star shortly after entering the United States Army, which was chronicled in the following news story, and numerous awards followed in his 28 year career: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/11341641/ An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed one last fishing trip in Alabama last month with his grandson Wesley, one of their most successful and memorable trips, ever. He was also an excellent golfer, playing all over the world, and especially enjoyed A.L. Brown Wonders Football, traveling to every away game possible to show his support. And as proud father, he also coached Jesse's soccer team for years. Playmates as children and lifelong friends, his cousins Naomi Drye and Janice Tinsley were by his side at the time of his death, and gave him one last hymn. He always asked for a song when they parted and he departed this world hearing their splendid voices. May God bless them. Brantley ("Bill") Turner proved to be the best kind of friend, always answering the call to work together, play together, and share life as brothers, right until the end. The same can surely be said for Terry Weber, Wesley Thomas Turner, Ron and Stacy Strickland Barton, Sandra Bridges, Deanna David Thompson, and Frank Cantie, whose love multiplied as death came nearer. Asked by a clergy and friend if he had any regrets to discuss or remarks about the end of life, CSM Pethel replied; "I believe God created me to be a soldier, and I plan to proudly march into Heaven to meet Him".
Visitation: -------

Service: Celebration of Life service 4:00 PM Sunday July 24, 2016 Whitley's Annex Chapel

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery at a later date