Phil Petty Obituary
John Parsons
Published Feb 15, 2026
Former South Carolina quarterback Phil Petty died Thursday. He was 43 years old. Petty was a three-year starter at quarterback under coach Lou Holtz at South Carolina and led the Gamecocks to back-to-back Outback Bowl victories against Ohio State during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.
Phil Petty’s Obituary?
Phil is survived by two stepsons, Stephen (Joan) Tobias and Jeffery Deshayes; a grandson, Christopher Stephen Tobias; great-grandson, Judah Tobias; two brothers, Don and Jim Petty; two sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Hickey and Leslie (David) King; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 34 years, Willajean “Billie”; a brother, Charles; and three sisters, Jeanne Lambert, Carol Groh, and Margery Howard.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, 3380 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45432. A Memorial Service will follow the gathering at 4:00 pm with military honors at the funeral home.
