OC native earns Army promotion


Col. Clay Pettit

Ozark County native Clay Pettit was recently promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel during an Army ceremony at the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where he currently serves. 

Pettit, son of Isabella resident Mary Pettit and the late Tommy D. Pettit, graduated from Gainesville High School in 1986. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from what is now Missouri State University and master’s degrees in business administration and public administration from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. He worked as a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper for six years before serving combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In his new role, he will serve as a resources officer for the many exercises Special Operations Command participates in each year.

Pettit and his wife, the former Shonnie Allen, a teacher and homemaker, live in Tampa with their sons, Daniel and Scott, who are members of the Boys Scouts of American troop their dad leads as scoutmaster. In an email to the Times, Pettit said, “I’m honored to serve and proud of my Ozark County heritage. I really appreciate all of the support from family and friends through the years.”

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423