Mr. Joseph Columbus Pettit, better known as Jay or Jaybird, of Adairsville went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, January 23, 2026. He was born in Portsmouth, VA, on January 30, 1944, to the late Hattie Camp Pettit and Olin Kithil Pettit.

Jay proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force before dedicating many years to his career at Lockheed Martin, where he retired as a flight inspector. A faithful member of Adairsville Baptist Church, Jay lived his life with integrity, humility, and devotion to his faith. A committed Christian, he lived out his faith by participating in several mission trips with Constructor’s for Christ. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and spending time with those he loved most. Above all else, Jay was a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather whose love for his family was the cornerstone of his life.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Pettit; beloved daughters, Bobbi Sue Cook and husband Billy and Trish McEntyre and husband Chris; grandchildren, Matthew Barnes and wife Chrystal, Kyle Barnes and wife, Erica, and Kyle Cook and wife Anna; and several great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:00PM from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Sorrell officiating. Interment will follow in Georgia National Cemetery, Canton with military honors.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Billy Cook, Chris McEntyre, Matthew Barnes, Kyle Cook, David Reynozo, and K. J. Beavers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Barnes and Bobby Foster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International in Jay’s memory.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mr. Joseph Columbus Pettit.