Charles Mallory Pettiford

Charles Mallory 'Vincent' Pettiford, of Columbus Ohio, succumbed to a traumatic brain injury on Thursday, September 28, 2023 with his three children by his side. Born on August 18,1956 in Franklin County, Ohio, he was the son of Charles Edger and Julia Faye (Sneed) Pettiford. Mallory, or "Mal" as he was known by friends and family, could occasionally be found sitting in the sun with a book in one hand, a cold beer in the other, and sports radio in the background. During the football season and when his schedule allowed, Saturdays were spent with friends and family watching Buckeye football while hooting and hollering about whatever cheatin' team they were facing that week. On NFL game days, he held out hope for a Raiders super bowl and was proud they never had an 0-16 season, unlike other teams which will remain unnamed. Mallory found joy in simplicity. He enjoyed working outside with his hands and hot, sunny days. He was quick to smile; his laugh was contagious and he had an uncanny ability to find friends in the most unlikely places. His hobbies included bike riding, long walks, meeting new people, reading whatever book caught his attention, comics, movies, fishing, swimming, grilling out with friends and family, political debates and, most of all, being with his children while staying hydrated. He is preceded in death by his parents; his aunts Genevieve (Pettiford) Mixon and Christine Lacy; close friends Trease (Jividen) Payne and Michael "Chipper" Chapman. He is survived by his loving children Julia Mae, Charles Isaac and Aimee Elia-Marie Pettiford; his only brother Tetsuo; sister-in-law Virginia "Ginny"; niece Muriah; nephew Zachary; great-niece Gianna Luna and great-nephew Kovi Pettiford; his life-long best friend, Bryan (Latsy) Payne; second cousin Anthony Lacy (and Lacy family); aunt Bernadine and Cindy Whittaker; cousins Dr. Ronza Nash, Shelley and Wyda Nash, and Wanda "Katie" Owens; and a host of other family and friends. Mallory will be remembered for how he spread kindness to those that he encountered, his affinity for helping those he could, his dedication to THE Ohio State Buckeyes (O-H!), his appreciation for a glorious summer day and the adoration he held for his three children. Continuing his legacy of kindness and generosity, Mallory was a proudly registered organ donor in the hope that he could be a hero to anyone who was waiting on a life-saving gift. An Honor Walk preceded his passing in recognition of his compassion and willingness to save and heal lives through his decision. He is loved by many and will continue to be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of having him in their lives. A Celebration of Life for Mallory will be hosted by his children in the Spring of 2024. Mallory's children would like to recognize the staff of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center and Lifeline of Ohio who uplifted their family throughout this process. Thank you all so much for your love and dedication.

Charles Mallory Pettiford

August 18, 1956 - September 28, 2023