George M. Pettyjohn

George Millard Pettyjohn, 87, of Dover, Delaware passed away after an extended illness on December 18, 2025.  His wife, Barbara and daughter, Susan were with him at home when he passed

Born on September 4, 1938 in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, George, known affectionately to  many as Dickie,was the son of John Millard Pettyjohn and Margaret Boykin Pettyjohn. After graduation from high school in Suffolk, VA,where he was raised and met Barbara, the love of his life,  George attended the business division of William and Mary.  Upon graduation, George attended the US Coast Guard Officer Training school.  George spent 3 decades in the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, raising to the rank of Captain. In addition to serving his country, George enjoyed a long and gratifying career at the DuPont Company.

George was a wonderfully  kind-hearted soul who was known for the countless good deeds he did for his family, friends, church  and community. If it is true that the greatest charity is done selflessly and midestly, George was a true giant, never seeking the limelight or praise of others as he quietly and consistently touched the lives of so many around him including members of the Kent County Amish community. George and Barbara were the rare “English” who were invited into Amish society and they were honored to be invited to weddings and other family events

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Morgan Pettyjohn, whom he married in 1961, and daughter, Susan Pettyjohn Gould (husband Michael). George was preceded in death by his son, Michael Pettyjohn, whose widow, Cheryl Kolodi, was wonderfilly close to George and remains bonded to the family to this day.  George enjoyed long, loving relationships with his four grandchildren, Michael Pettyjohn (wife Stephanie), Taylor Pettyjohn Rinkerman (husband Eric), and Susan’s/Mochael’s  children, Nadezhda (Nadia) Gould and Jackson Gould.  George was blessed to see the birth of three great grandchildren, Vincent Sperduto, Marco Sperduto and Hudson Pettyjohn.  The eldest of three, George is survived by brother, Robert Pettyjohn (wife Carol).  George’s sister, Sandra Pettyjohn Julias predeceased him.

George leaves behind a legacy of benevolence, generosity and humor and, above all else, he will be remembered for making the world a little better place  for having lived 

A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2026 at 11:00AM at the Wyoming United Methodist Church, Wyoming, DE. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests [donations be made to the First State Animal Center SPCA, Camden, DE, in George’s memory.

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