Rick E. Pettigrew, 57, a Christian, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Tuesday, February 01, 2005 at Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital near his home in Sugar Land, Texas. He will be missed greatly, but remembered for his dedication to his family and friends, his sense of humor, his intellect, his story telling, his integrity in life and business, and his strong Christian faith.

Rick was born in Houston, Texas on October 15, 1947 to Delmar and Edna Earle Pettigrew, the oldest of their five children. He was reared in Sweeny, Texas, playing Little League Baseball and achieving the honor of Life Scout in Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Sweeny High School where he lettered in football, baseball, track & field, and drama, and was involved in the National Honor Society and debate. Upon graduation, he attended Wharton County Jr. College and then the University of Houston.

While attending college, Rick met the love of his life, Shirley Startz. Rick and Shirley married two years later on January 24, 1969. The young couple made their home in Houston, Texas for two years then moved to Stafford, Texas for 10 years and then Missouri City, Texas, where they lived for 17 years. For the past five year, they lived in Sugar Land, Texas. After serving as a Houston Police Officer for four years, Rick became an entrepreneur by starting his copy machine sales business, United Copy. As a true Texan, Rick later moved into the oil business and started Texas Oil and South Star Petroleum. Seven years ago, Rick moved into the termite and pest control business and shortly thereafter formed AdTech Termite and Pest Control in Sugar Land, Texas, as a family business.

Rick had many hobbies and interests. He was very involved in his children's activities by coaching girls' softball, assisting the swim team, attending countless dance recitals and participating in Little League as coach, mentor, umpire, and Assistant District Administrator. Rick also enjoyed deer hunting with his son and father-in-law. He was often found sitting around the house singing and playing his guitar or drafting his dream house. As a young man, he enjoyed hotrodding his 1967 red GTO and as a pilot, he enjoyed flying. Rick had a passion for knowledge, loving to read and was sure to tell you the history of the world at any moment. He loved to travel with his family, enjoying yearly skiing and camping trips. With his wife Shirley, he had the opportunity to enjoy travels throughout the United States and Mexico and to Europe and Asia. His passion for history sparked his recent involvement in civil war reenacting as a private with the 15th Texas Infantry.

Rick loved his Family deeply and loved to be surrounded by them. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Earl Pettigrew. He is survived by Shirley Startz Pettigrew, his loving wife of 36 years; his parents Delmar and Edna Earle Pettigrew of Old Ocean, Texas; his children Shelly Pettigrew Stubbs and husband Terry Stubbs of Sugar Land, Texas; Jennifer Pettigrew Wright and husband Nathan Wright of Sugar Land, Texas; and son Michael Pettigrew of Sugar Land, Texas; two grandchildren, Sara Wright and Austin Stubbs; his brothers and sisters, Les Pettigrew and wife Eileen Pettigrew of Sweeny, Texas, Marilyn Pettigrew Long and husband Kirk Long of Richmond, Texas, Tammy Pettigrew Ennis and husband Tom Ennis of Calabasas, California, Tim Pettigrew and wife Samantha Pettigrew of Sweeny, Texas; aunts, uncles, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, and numerous friends.

A memorial service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2005 at the First Baptist Church of Old Ocean, Texas. A reception at the church fellowship hall immediately followed. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Rick Pettigrew Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 503, Old Ocean, Texas 77463.