Rance

Pettibone, Sr.

RANCE PETTIBONE, SR., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, veteran, broadcaster, and servant of God and his community, transitioned from this earthly life leaving a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and compassion.

Born in Foley, Alabama, Rance was the biological son of Mazie Bell Dinkins and James Barnett, Sr. He was raised by Ambus and Ruby Pettibone, who preceded him in death. Rance maintained a relationship with his biological family and honored the people who helped shape his life.

Rance devoted more than 20 years to the United States Army and served as a Vietnam veteran, paratrooper, infantryman, sniper, and supply sergeant.

His commitment to service continued long after his military career, becoming a lifelong calling to serve God and others.

Rance served in ministry in Europe, Savannah, and Brunswick before making Albany, Georgia, home.

In 2001, he accepted the call to pastor Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, where he was not only the pastor but also a faithful member of the church family.

For more than two decades, he served with dedication, wisdom, and a genuine love for God’s people. He was also a member of the Albany Baptist Ministry, where he served alongside other ministers in the community.

His ministry reached beyond the church walls. He hosted the Saturday radio program “Faith, Family, & Common Sense” on WZBN 105.5 and was known for leading the First Saturday Prayer Gathering, bringing people together to pray for Albany, its schools, leaders, first responders, and the community. His life of service was also featured in WALB’s “Heroes Among Us,” highlighting his military service, faith, and commitment to others.

Rance loved children and believed deeply in family.

On April 15, 2006, he married Sandra, and together they blended their families into seven children, four daughters and three sons. Seven was Rance’s favorite number because he believed it represented completeness. He believed a man’s responsibility was to provide for and protect his family, and he lived that belief in the way he cared for those he loved.

Rance was a true gentleman who believed in treating others with dignity and respect. He held doors, helped people down steps, and noticed when someone needed a seat or a helping hand. His favorite saying was “Always think of others before you think of yourself.” Those words reflected the way he sought to live.

Rance was preceded in death by his sons, Jason and Sheldon; his biological parents, Mazie Bell Dinkins and James Barnett, Sr.; his parents who raised him, Ambus and Ruby Pettibone; his sister, Zola Prim Anderson; his brother, Prentice Jackson; his brother- in-law, Zeno Green; three great grand daughters and other beloved family members and loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Sandra; children, Anissa, Charlet Lewis (Tony), Kendra, Shannon (Rashard), and Rance Pettibone, Jr.

(Tina); daughter-in-law, Sharon Pettibone, widow of his late son, Jason; sister, Janice Green; brothers, James Barnett, Steve Barnett, Melton Barnett (Mary), Louis Dinkins (Jackie), Gary Jackson, and George Jackson, Sr.; 27 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Jones;

sisters-in-law, Patricia Gillison and Jeraldine Jones; brothers-in-law, Jesse (Vickie), Jimmy (Alfreda), John, and Darryll (Tammie) Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, church family,friends, and loved ones.

Rance’s life was a testimony to faith, service, family, and putting others first. He served his country, served God, loved his family, and poured himself into his community. His voice may be silent, but the prayers he prayed, the wisdom he shared, and the lives he touched