Donald (Don) Burl Pettry (Mr. Plastisol) was born December 10, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to John Sidney Pettry and Emeline Haught Pettry. Pettry served in the U.S. Army and earned his degree in Chemistry at Abilene Christian College. He married Virginia Iris Spence of Poteet, Texas, in 1949, and they resided in Pennsylvania where he was a chemical engineer for Firestone Chemical Company.

In 1959, Pettry moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was employed by Flexible Products Company in research and development. Among his many achievements there, he helped to create and revolutionize the use of plastisol inks for apparel, developed for Russell Mills (Russell Athletics) and contributed significantly to the history and evolution of Wilflex inks. His innovations have enabled an inestimable number of garment screenprinters to ply their trade. For Pettry’s ingenuity, creative thinking, product knowledge, and dedication, he received the “Howard Parmele Award” in 1995.

How many of us can say we’ve come up with something groundbreaking—something that has fueled an entire industry on a global scale?

Pettry enjoyed the industry so much that he remained active as a consultant and made yearly treks to the conventions to offer his expertise. He also hosted for the company at the Master’s Golf Tournament for many years. Don served as senior vice president until his early retirement due to the illness of his wife, Iris.

After the death of Iris, Pettry married Christine Hale and relocated to Gainesville, Florida. Pettry enjoyed serving the Lord, participated in mission work, and was always an active Church of Christ member. While in Marietta, Georgia, Pettry helped to found several congregations and was a member of East Cobb Church of Christ. In Gainesville, he was affiliated with the High Springs Church of Christ and was a member of the University Church of Christ.

He loved to travel (visiting 69 countries), was an award-winning competitive swimmer in his youth, could beat anyone at ping-pong, was an excellent song leader for many years, and was an avid and excellent golfer.

Pettry died March 9, 2013, after a brief illness. He is interred at the Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pettry was preceded by his older brother and best friend Dale K. Pettry as well as his sister Audrey Gardner. Pettry’s sister, Naomi Tome, of Abilene, Texas, survives him along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Pettry was survived by his loving wife Christine and her children Carol Hale (widow of Johnny Hale) of Gainesville, Florida; Debra Hatch (husband Lee) of Branford, Florida; Tommy Hale (wife Kelly) of Val Rico, Florida; and their families. Pettry is also survived by his children: John of Asheville, North Carolina; David of Anchorage, Alaska; Donna Cole (husband Tom) of Tucker, Georgia; Robbie Sibley (husband Quintus) of Highlands, North Carolina; James (wife Lori) of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Kathy Kucifer (husband Ken) of Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren Annie Pettry, Cody Pettry, Ayla Pettry, Nicholas Masters, Jason Pettry, Samantha Pettry, Max Pettry, Tyler Kucifer, Kayla Kucifer, Samala and Serena Hirst; and five great-grandchildren.