Aydon "Don" Bing Petty

Mr. Aydon Bing Petty, 89, passed away on July 7, 2025. Don was born in Eagle Lake, but wasa lifelong resident of Winter Haven. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, andgrandfather. He leaves behind his loving family; his son Mark (Kim), his daughter Kay (Alex),grandchildren Tyler (Alana), Jon Mark (Elizabeth), Ginger (Tyler), and great grandchildren,Blaire, Ford, and Hutch. A graduate of Winter Haven High School, he enlisted in the Air Force shortly after. Heserved his country honorably, both on the island of Okinawa and domestic bases.Don fell in love, and upon returning from service, he married the love of his life, Virginia WelchPetty (deceased). They were married for over 62 years. In his own words, he “lived a fairy tale”being married to his sweetheart. Their life together was marked by devotion to each other, hischarming sweet talk, and his quick wit. He could always make her laugh!Don took a position as a lineman at TECO that started the Monday morning after his weekendhoneymoon. Little did he know then that his entire career would be built there. He was promotedto a field engineer shortly after, so he had found his spot! In his career at TECO, he was steadyand faithful, just like in the rest of his life. He made many friends, and loved to tell his familystories about his work days and the wonderful people there.Don’s favorite place to be was out in nature. Whether by a stream, on a mountainside, or on thelake. The peacefulness of those settings matched his own demeanor; calm and strong.His family was blessed to have his strength to lead them when they were children, and tocontinue to reap the benefits of that influence when they became adults.The generational blessings of his legacy will live on. For now, we must say farewell, but weknow we will be with him again in heaven someday. We do not grieve as those who have noHope….our hope is in the Lord. ( I Thessalonians 4:13 )Funeral services will be held 1pm Friday, July 11th at Kersey Funeral Home, with a gathering of family and friends just prior at 12:30. 

Interment will follow at the Church of Christ Cemetery in Eagle Lake.