Obituary: "The death of William Douglas Pettis, well-known resident of Parrsboro, occurred at his home here on Friday following an illness of several weeks with a heart condition. Born in Parrsboro, he was fifty-nine years of age. Left to mourn his loss are his wife, the former Bessie Wright of Parrsboro; a daughter, Ritta and two sons, Bramwell and Bruce, all of this town; also, one grandchild, Douglas Pettis. Surviving brothers and sisters are Hibbert and Nelson Pettis of Parrsboro; Burton of Cheverie; Mrs. Cynthia Anderson and Mrs. Amelia Lovely of Parrsboro. The largely attended funeral service was held from the chapel in the funeral home of S.W. Smith and Son on Sunday afternoon and was conducted by the Captain of the local Salvation Army Corps. The hymns were: "There Is A Better World They Say" and "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus". Pallbearers were neighbours of the deceased: Horace Morse, Gerald Morse, Russell Donnelly and Martin Hunter. Interment was made in the United Cemetery. Flowers included Sprays from wife, Bruce and Ritta, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lovely, and the Salvation Army, and a wreath from Effie, Bram and Douglas." (Parrsboro Record, 16 Dec 1947)