Bryant Keith Petty was born to the late Julia Mae Wilson Petty on January 10, 1971, in Sheffield, Alabama. He was the ninth child. He attended Muscle Shoals City School. He was a well-known basketball player, #42. He was a great father and husband. He was a mentor and coach to many children across the Shoals area. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at the First Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Later, he joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

He was an employee of Norfolk Southern for over 20 years, until his health failed him. He was preceded in death by: one sister, Dorothy Green; one brother, Harold Wilson; grandparents, Reece Wilson, Naomi "Doll" (Thomas) Ingram; father-in-law, John Alexander; brother-in-law, Thomas Rhodes; and nephew, Javon Alexander. He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Karen Y. Petty of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; two sons, Bryant Petty, Jr., of Muscle Shoals, Alabama and Davonte Petty of Florence, Alabama; five sisters, Linda Madden Johnson (John Paul) of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Peggy Rhodes of Florence, Alabama, Marsha Petty of Decatur, Alabama, Bridgette Phillips (Dewayne) of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Amanda Peters of Florence, Alabama; two brothers, Cleophus Madden of Sheffield, Alabama, and Anthony Petty of Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Annie Alexander of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; three brothers-in-law, James Green of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Anthony Alexander (Charlotte) of San Diego, California, and Bryan Alexander (Crystal)of Decatur, Alabama; one precious grandchild, Penelope Kay Petty of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including lifelong friends, "The Fellas," Kevin Howell, Christopher Little, and Gregory Flint. #42 went for a dunk and God took his hand and said well done.