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Obituaries

Billy Ray Pettit

Billy Ray Pettit, "Catfish," local artist, husband and father passed away at his home in Williams, Thursday evening. Billy Ray was born in Waldron, Ark., Oct. 15, 1947, and moved to Williams with his parents in 1953.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorene Pettit, and his father, Ben Pettit, both long-time Williams residents.

A father, artist and long time cowboy character, Billy Ray touched the lives of many on both local and international levels, entertaining tourists with his flamboyant personality and his inspirational sculptures. He is best known for his sculpting of the Bill Williams Mountain Man Monument which greets all visitors to the area and has become a Route 66 national symbol. Billy Ray, owner of S&P Tax service and Grand Canyon Railway cowboy character, also instructed art at Northern Arizona University for a time in the late 1970s.

He is survived by his wife Laurha Pettit, brother Jim Pettit (both of Williams), sister Daphine Holleman of Waldron, Ark., sons Chris and James Pettit, daughters Yvette Wages of Columbia Lakes, Texas, and April Gonzales of Mesa.

Step-children include Chris Smith of Williams, Marlon Bruno of Flagstaff, Erik Bruno of Reno, Nev., Cassandra Pettit of San Antonio, Texas, and 13 grandchildren.

Services will be held at the foot of the Bill Williams Mountain Man Monument at 12 noon today. Viewing will be at the same location from 11 a.m. to noon with a graveside service to follow.

Primo S. Barrozo

Primo S. Barrozo, 87, of Williams, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 28 with family by his side.

Primo was born Nov. 8, 1918, in El Paso, Texas. He came to Williams in 1924 where he attended public school and worked at the Harvey House as a cook until entering the army in 1942 serving in WWII until 1945.

After WWII, he came back to Williams and went to work at the Navajo Army Depot as an explosive tech. Primo retired in 1971 and during his retirement, he went to work for the city of Williams. Primo enjoyed the out doors working on his yard and house he was also an avid sports fan.

Primo is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Petra, and one daughter, Pimi (Bob) Barrozo-Bennett.

Holy Rosary will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Friday at 7 p.m. with Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at the Williams Cemetery.

Arrangements are being made by Norvel Owens Mortuary.


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