Tom Petty

Petty in 1995, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Thomas Earl Petty

Date of Birth: October 20, 1950

Place of Birth: Gainesville, Alachua, Florida, U.S.

Date of Death: October 2, 2017

Place of Death: Santa Monica, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, some Scottish, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Welsh, distant Swiss-German

Tom Petty was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. He was a member of rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, as well as music group Mudcrutch and supergroup Traveling Wilburys, the latter with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison.

Tom was the son of Katherine Johney “Kitty” and Earl Alvin Petty. He was married to Dana York Epperson, until his death. He had two children with his former wife Jane Benyo.

Tom’s paternal grandfather was William Kyler/Cuyler Petty (the son of Stephen M. Petty and Delilah Cox). William was born in Georgia. Stephen was the son of James Lawton Petty and Nancy. Delilah was the daughter of James Ira Cox and Frances Wilkinson Hilliard.

Tom’s paternal grandmother was Sallie L. Henderson (the daughter of Alfred L. Henderson and Ollie Herrin). Sallie was born in Georgia. Alfred was the son of John Smith Henderson and Sarah/Sallie King. Ollie was the daughter of Daniel Herrin and Jemima Ammons.

Tom’s maternal grandfather was John Calvin Avery (the son of George Cadmus Avery and Cynthia Matilda Ross). John was born in Georgia. George was the son of David Avery and Adrian/Arian Elizabeth Chandler. Cynthia was the daughter of William Daniel Ross and Sarah Elizabeth Hardin/Harding “Sallie” Bishop.

Tom’s maternal grandmother was Troas Frances Hale (the daughter of John Hosey Hail/Hale and Ella Ida Mae/Grace Bruce). Troas was born in Georgia. John was the son of Joseph Monroe Hale and Henrietta E. Henley. Ella was the daughter of Jim/James S. Bruce and Rebeca.

Tom was a third cousin, once removed, of politician David Perdue. Tom’s maternal great-great-great-grandparents, William Daniel Ross and Sarah Elizabeth Hardin/Harding “Sallie” Bishop, were also David’s maternal great-great-grandparents.

Sources: Genealogies of Tom Petty – http://www.geni.com
https://www.wikitree.com
https://www.findagrave.com