Donald (Don) Burl Pettry, an inventor of plastisol inks for textile screen printing, died March 9 after a brief illness.
Pettry began his career as a chemical engineer for Firestone Chemical Co. In 1959, he moved to Atlanta where he worked for Flexible Products Co. in research and development, and then in technical sales. Among his many achievements there, he helped to create and revolutionize the use of plastisol inks and the screen printing processes the industry uses today.
For his ingenuity, creative thinking, product knowledge and dedication, he received the “Howard Parmele Award” in 1995. He remained active in the industry as a consultant and made yearly treks to conventions to offer his expertise.
Pettry is survived by his sister, Naomi Tome; his wife, Christine, and her children, Carol, Debra and Tommy; his children John, David, Donna, Robbie, James and Kathy; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at University Church of Christ in Gainesville, Fla. A funeral will be held at East Cobb Church of Christ in Marietta, Ga., on March 15 at 2 p.m.
