Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 20, 2025

CHARLOTTE - Dr. Jerry Miller Petty, a pioneering neurosurgeon whose career helped shape the field of neurological care in the Southeast and beyond, passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Revered for his wisdom, compassion, and vision, Dr. Petty was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, mentor, and friend.

Born on August 25, 1935, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Jerry was the fifth of six children of Miller Ivan Petty and Katherine Simmons Petty. A gifted student-athlete at Gastonia High School, he began working at a young age, including a job swatting flies at Tony’s Ice Cream Parlor for 25 cents a day. He attended both undergraduate and medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he overcame an early academic setback to graduate 6th in his class and be elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Petty began his medical training in plastic surgery at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, where he also met and married Audrey Anderton, a nurse anesthetist. After serving as a physician in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to Barnes to pursue neurosurgery under the renowned Dr. Henry Schwartz.

In 1968, Dr. Petty moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he joined what would become Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates. Over the decades, he became a pillar of the region’s medical community, leading efforts to bring groundbreaking technology like CT imaging to local hospitals and championing a patient-centered, ethical approach to medicine. He was instrumental in building what is now the largest neurosurgical practice in the United States.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Petty was a passionate athlete and advocate for health in sports. He completed 23 marathons and served for decades as a neurological consultant to NASCAR and the Carolina Panthers, helping shape concussion protocols and athlete safety.

Education and literacy were lifelong passions for Dr. Petty. He was a strong supporter of the Gaston Literacy Council and Gaston College, believing deeply in the power of learning to change lives. Teaching underprivileged children was particularly important to him, and he dedicated time and resources to ensuring others had opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed—just as he had.

A man of deep intellect and humility, Dr. Petty read widely, thought deeply, and led by example. He received numerous accolades during his life, including the Southern Neurosurgical Society Distinguished Practitioner Award and the Bill France NASCAR Award of Excellence. Yet, he was most proud of his family and the community of colleagues and patients who became an extension of it.

Dr. Petty was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Audrey Anderton Petty. He was also predeceased by his parents, Miller Ivan Petty and Katherine Simmons Petty, and his siblings, Marion Phillip Petty, Jack Quinton Petty, and Eleanor Petty Korczowski.

He is survived by his four loving children: his son, Scott Miller Petty, and Scott’s daughters, Allie, Erin, and Lauren; his daughter, Mary Petty Key, and her husband Jeff, along with their children, Jessie and Shelby; his daughter, Catherine Petty Boyd, and her husband Robert, and their children, Miller, Charlie, Lindsay, and Audrey; and his daughter, Laura Jane Petty, and her sons, Jake Barrett and Billy Barrett. His grandchildren were a source of endless pride and joy, each one a reflection of the love and legacy he and Audrey nurtured throughout their lives. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Kenneth Petty (Linda), and his sister, Jane Petty Kendrick.

Also at the center of Jerry’s heart were his beloved dogs—Pete, a loyal black Labrador, and Lucky, a spirited Jack Russell Terrier. They were his constant companions and a source of comfort and unconditional love. To those who knew him best, Pete and Lucky were not just pets; they were family—and his world.

A memorial service celebrating Dr. Petty’s life will be held at Myers Park Baptist Church on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to these organizations close to Dr. Petty’s heart: Gaston Literacy Council: 116 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052 | (704) 868-4815 | gastonliteracy.org/donate or The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte: 4015 Stuart Andrew Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217 | (704) 716-2769 | salvationarmycharlotte.org

Dr. Petty’s legacy lives on through the thousands of lives he touched, the medical practice he helped build, and the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion that defined his life’s work. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Mr. Petty's Memorial Service will be livestreamed. You can view the service on the YouTube Live page for Myer's Park Baptist by clicking this link.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204, (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.