Richard Petty

Richard Petty was born on April 12, 1938, in Oklahoma City, to R. M. (Pat) and Jennie Petty. He grew up in Clovis and Portales, New Mexico. After graduating from Clovis High School in 1956, he joined the U. S. Army and served proudly in El Paso, TX until 1959. He was married on June 15, 1957, to his sweetheart from 7th grade, Carol Jean Ross.

After discharge from the U. S. Army, he began helping his dad develop a lumber yard in Clovis, Eastern New Mexico, Builders Supply. In 1963, Clovis’ largest fire destroyed the inventory and building. After being closed for only 2 days; Richard opened the business sales office in a vacant bedroom in his folk’s home, which survived the fire across the alley. He rented several buildings for products. Richard and brother, David, joined to buy their dad out, and started rebuilding their business. January 1, 1964, they opened their new facilities with a new name, Triangle Builders Supply, Inc. They also developed Sandzen Subdivision, Triangle Block and Brick, which manufactured concrete block in Clovis, opened Triangle Lumber and Block in Midland, TX, and developed Century Center Medical Complex, and Prince Plaza Shopping Center. Over the course of the 58 years that these businesses were going, they were privileged to have close to 1,000 fantastic people work there. His laser focused drive could be seen as serious, but in reality what drove that, was his burning feeling of responsibility to every employee and family member.

Richard and Carol moved to Ruidoso, NM in 1992, managed Triangle via phone, internet, and trips to Clovis. Triangle was sold to Burns Hardware and Ashley Furniture in 2012. They have lived in Lubbock since 2013.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol Jean; son, Tony; granddaughter, Brittney Pasaribu and husband Tim; great-granddaughter Christiana Rose sisters, Margaret Pershall and JoAnne Paul; brother, David and wife Joann Petty.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Gene Pershall and Dale Paul.

At 86, he passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Donations can be made to Friends of Norman Petty Inc. and or Bonita Park Nazarene Campgrounds 200 Bonita Park Rd. Capitan, New Mexico 88316

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