Gerald Dean Petty was born January 14,1960 to Roosevelt Petty, Sr. And Lois Price Petty in Tyler,Texas. He grew up in the Baptist Church but later converted to the Catholic Church.  He worshiped at the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.

He was a 1978 graduate of Winona High School where he was a member of the National Honors Society and was Class President. Gerald graduated from Richards and Jospeh Beauty School, Tyler. He was an accomplished cosmetologists in the Tyler and East Texas area for over 43 Years. He owned and operated De'Ja Vous Hair Salon, but on May 1,1992 he set up show with Visible Difference Hair Salon and remained there until his health began to fail. Gerald received many awards and accolades for his creative hair designs and distinguished himself as one on the most accomplished and brilliant stylist in the East Texas area. Even at any early age (15) Gerald had a "talent" for hair and beauty. Throughout his career he received offers to work with some of the greats in that industry, including Vidal Sasson.

Gerald had a wonderful personality and met no strangers. He loved family functions and loved to travel. Everyone he met was attracted to him. His presence will truly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother Lois Price Petty, two sisters Debra Petty and Virginia Nell Petty.

He leaves as survivors, his father Roosevelt Petty, Sr. Three brothers, Roosevelt Petty, Jr. (Georgia), Carl Petty and Bryant Petty. Two Sisters, Vivian Petty Elder and Dorothy Jean Dewberry.

A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.