Adams announces the passing of Reverend Dr. Alvin L. Petty, 54, who transitioned on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Adams announces the visitation of Rev. Dr. Alvin L. Petty which will be held 5 P.M. - 7 P.M., Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Historic First African Baptist Church located 70 Beach City Rd. Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926.

Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, April 4, 2021 from 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. via our drive-thru.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 5, 2021 and will be live-streamed on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/adamsfuneralservices

Rev. Alvin Laranzo Petty, a native of Savannah, Georgia, was born November 23, 1966. He is the son of the late Ms. Alvena Cohen. Rev. Petty was raised in a devoted Christian home where he developed a love for gospel music. He joined the Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and began directing the youth choir at the age of eight. Rev. Petty has spent over 40 years in the field of Music Ministry.

He received his education in both the public and private schools of Chatham County. In 1982 he graduated from Ramah Junior Academy SDA and in 1984 he graduated from A L Beach High School. After high school he attended Covington Theological Seminary where he received his Associate of Religious Education Degree, Bachelor of Ministry Degree, and Masters of Ministry in Theology Degree. In 1996 he received his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Studies Degree from Covington Theological Seminary.

Rev. Petty preached his initial sermon "Do You Know the Man" on the third Sunday in May 1990 at the Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. In 1997 Rev. Petty was invited to preach the fall revival at the Historic First African Baptist Church. He was selected by the membership to become the new Pastor in June 1999.This year Rev. Petty would be celebrating 22 years of service to our Church. He has been preaching the Word of God for 31 years.

Under the leadership of Rev. Petty, Rev. Lillian Mitchell and Rev. Matherleen Snell were ordained into the ministry.  Rev. Petty was the executive producer of the Historic First African Baptist Church Gospel Chorus first CD, "If God Be For Us", released in the summer of 2004. Pastor Petty led the effort to develop the first Church Membership Directory in 2000. In 2012 under his leadership, we celebrated our year-long Sesquicentennial Anniversary and dedicated a historical marker indicating we are the oldest church established in Mitchelville. On Sunday, September 22, 2013 Reverend Petty presided over the unveiling and dedication of our church bell. In 2015 Reverend Petty initiated the first Summer Camp for Youth and the One Call Now Church Communication Phone System.

On Saturday, April 4, 2009 Rev. Petty was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Ms. Sharon Johnson of Clyo, Georgia.

Rev. Petty was actively involved in the following organizations: 2nd District Pilgrim Baptist Association -Past Vice Moderator, BTU Congress PBA- Vice Chairman, Hilton Head Island Ministerial Alliance- Past President and he serves on the Executive Board of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Association. He is also a former Professor of Church History for Covington Theological Seminary.

Rev. Petty enjoyed reading, bowling, walking and watching movies when he is not involved in church activities.

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