Dr. Gus A. Petitt

Atlanta, GA - Dr. Gus A. Petitt of Decatur, Georgia died February 2, 2007, after complications following lung surgery.  Dr. Petitt was born April 7, 1937, to Gus and Jane Petitt of Birmingham, Alabama.  He received a B.S. degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1960 and was awarded the Ph.D. degree in nuclear physics in 1964 from Duke University.  After a year on the research staff of the Northrop Corporation, he joined the faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University (GSU) in 1965.  He advanced through the academic ranks and served most of his tenure at GSU as a Full Professor.  Dr. Petitt led a program in experimental nuclear physics research at Georgia State that was largely funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.  This research was integral in the training of both M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students of the Department.  His nuclear research was carried out, not only in the laboratories at GSU, but also at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Fermi National Laboratory.  He retired from the faculty in 1997.  Dr. Petitt led an active life raising a family and participating in numerous professional and social activities.  In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, playing bridge, and continuing to stay involved with an ongoing research program at GSU.  Surviving are his sons Carl Petitt and Chris Petitt of Atlanta, Georgia, his daughter Laura Petitt of Decatur, Georgia, and his sister Susan Richardson of Trussville, Alabama.  Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service to be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 10th at AS Turner & Sons Funeral Home located at 2773 N. Decatur Rd. in Decatur, GA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the efforts to eradicate polio globally.  Dr. Petitt overcame the challenges of a devastating bout with polio as a young man and never let the lasting effects dampen his spirits or limit his accomplishments in life. For more information on how to contribute go to www.polioeradication.org/howtocontribute.asp  A. S. Turner & Sons