Rodger A. Pettitt, 64, of Hamilton, GA, died on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Piedmont Northside.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM CT on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Benefield Funeral Home, 17624 Highway 431, Wedowee, AL 36278, with visitation for friends beginning at 11:30 AM CT before services begin.

Rodger was born on August 26, 1961, in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, to Jacquelyn W. Pettitt and Robert Pettitt, Sr.

Rodger lived a life that was both inspiring and devoted to service, family, and personal passions.  Rodger’s journey began in the classrooms of Weaver High school, where the foundations of discipline and ambition were laid.  Continuing his education, he attended Jacksonville State College prior to joining the US Army.  In his distinguished career, Rodger served with honor and dedication as an aircraft mechanic, merging technical skill with military precision, in his first contract with the US Army.  He spent a brief, formative time at Auburn College before returning to his calling at the US Army.  He spent the last years prior to retirement as a drill sergeant in the US Army Infantry – a role demanding utmost courage and leadership.  After his retirement from the US Army, Rodger attended the Naval postgraduate school where he received his master’s degree.  Afterwards, he worked for the US government in DEV-COM research/human resources.

Yet beyond his service and scholarship, Rodger was a soul full of kindness and empathy – a man whose generosity knew no bounds.  His compassion extended far beyond words; it was evidence in every act and interaction.  Rodger was particularly beloved by his breed of choice, his cherished Yorkies, who knew well the gentle heart beneath his rugged exterior.

Rodger’s interests were as vibrant as his character.  He found joy and solace in the tranquility of fishing, the thrill of playing blackjack in Biloxi, and the discipline of target practice.  These pastimes were not merely hobbies but reflections of a man who embraced life’s challenges and pleasures with equal fervor.

He is predeceased by his father, Robert W. Pettitt, Sr.

He leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife of 20 years, Tina Pettitt; his mother, Jacquelyn W. Pettitt; a sister, Cynthia Bailey; and brothers, Robert W. Pettitt, Jr., and James “Ricky” Pettitt (Noreen).  The next generation also carries forward his legacy through his nephews, TSgt James Pettitt, Jr., J. W. Bailey (Jenniffer), and Jeffery Pettitt (Jamie); and a niece, Jessica Cummings (Darren).

Rodger Pettitt’s passing leaves a void that echoes in the hearts of all who knew him – a man whose life was a testament to goodness, strength, and intellect.  As we bid farewell, we celebrate a legacy rich in service, love, and humanity, holding his memory as a beacon to guide us through the days ahead.