ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Dougherty County leaders honored the life and legacy of longtime Albany pastor and community leader Rev. Rance Pettibone Sr., days after his family announced his passing.

Rev. Rance Pettibone Sr. died Saturday, Sept. 26, according to his family. This comes months after a serious car crash prompted the Albany community to rally around him and his family. Last week, his family said they decided to place him in hospice care.

The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners held a proclamation reading in his memory Monday morning, Sept. 28, at the Dougherty County Government Center. County leaders remembered Pettibone’s decades of service to his country as a veteran, the faith community and others.

Pettibone served as pastor of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church for more than 20 years.

“My dad was a servant, not just to me, but to everybody,” his son, Rance Pettibone Jr., said.

For 16 years, Pettibone also led the First Saturday Prayer Gathering at the Albany Government Center. The monthly gathering brought together residents, faith leaders and other community members to pray for the city, schools, elected leaders, first responders and Southwest Georgia.

On June 2, he was seriously injured in a crash on West Oakridge Drive.

“At the time, we did not know that, when he was in the accident, he had what they call anoxia, which he was without oxygen for a period of time, which deteriorates some of his cells in his brain,” his daughter, Anissa Pettibone explained.

The late pastor spent time recovering at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, before he was placed in hospice care.

After the crash, the community was invited to gather at the same government center where he had spent years praying for Albany — this time to pray for his recovery.

“I thank the city of Albany. Your prayers for our family have been felt, seen, heard, all of the above,” Anissa Pettibone said after Monday’s proclamation.

The family announced the celebration of life events, including another community prayer, honoring what Pettibone started decades ago.

“It’s a good thing that they’re continuing to keep it going,” his other daughter, Kendra Sanders, said. “We’re so appreciative, he’s leaving his mark for sure.”

The funeral arrangements are as listed:

• Friday, Oct. 2:
  • Prayer event at the downtown Government Center at 8 a.m.
  • Family receiving visitors at The Jimmy James Ewing Fellowship Hall (next to Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 3:
  • Funeral service at Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church (6411 Newton Road) at 2 p.m.
  • Burial is at the church cemetery and repass to follow.

Previous Coverage on Rev. Rance Pettibone Sr.

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