TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Rufus G. Pettis, Ed.D 1936-2023 Mathematics Professor
Alexander and two citywide campaigns, respectively, for Robert Bobb, former DC City Administrator, and A. Scott Bolden (Pi 1981). The campaigns have represented the utilization of polling to drive mailings, field strat- egy, and fundraising. Before moving to Washington, Meyers and his wife launched and managed private and public enterprises in Atlanta and Chicago, including 24HRE. com and Meyers Detailing. In Chicago, He served as chief of staff to Dr. Renee Grant Mitchell, then chief officer for special- ized services for Chicago Public Schools. He was also General Manager for SCR Transportation, one of the largest Para-transit providers in the country, providing successful super- vision of drivers, call center staff, training programs, and vehicle maintenance. Brother Jon R. Meyers is survived by his devoted wife Karen and their daughter Nina; his parents Dr. Joseph R. (Charlotte) Meyers and mother Tressa Chambers Meyers, sister Monica (David) Meyers Turnbo; and a host of close friends, relatives, colleagues, clients and the surviving members of the Fall 1981 Pi Chapter line (The Krimson P.L.O.). ♦
R ufus Grier Pettis (Gamma Mu 1956) entered the Chapter Invisible on Monday, March 13, 2023, at age 86. Pettis was born on June 19, 1936, in York County, SC, the third of four sons and one of the eight children of the late Grier and Bleeker Pettus. He graduated from York County’s George Fish High School. He attended Benedict College, where he graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree. Pettis later earned, in 1963, an M.S. degree in Science from Atlanta University and a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University in 1970. He had an active career in teaching, with stints at Second Ward High School, Winston-Salem State University, Barber-Scotia College, and Central Pied- mont Community College. He was the longest-tenured and retired from Johnson C. Smith University after 41 years as a Professor of mathematics. Dr. Pettis was a
“DR. PETTIS WAS A PASSIONATE AND ACTIVE ENTREPRENEUR DURING HIS TEACHING CAREER AND RETIREMENT. HE WAS ALSO A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AND INVESTOR INVOLVED IN THE OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF VARIOUS BUSINESSES.”
passionate and active entre- preneur during his teaching career and retirement. He was also a real estate developer and investor involved in the ownership and management of various businesses. He was an active member of First Fel- lowship Charlotte Church. He was a longtime member of the Charlotte (NC) AL Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., leading the chapter as polemarch from 1977-1979. He met and married Willie Mae Gardner while
they both were instruc- tors at Second Ward High School. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 2008. Brother Rufus Grier Pettis is survived by his sons, Kevin W. (Janice) (Charlotte (NC) AL 1990); Dr. Karlton S. (Pamela) (Theta Omicron 1989); siblings, Dorothy P. Perry and Evelyn Y. Pettus; grandchildren, Jamilah, Olivia, Kareem, and William Pettis; and other relatives and friends. ♦
SPRING 2024 ♦ THE JOURNAL 49
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