Mark Pettit is a native of Gilmer County and has attended the Ellijay church of Christ his entire life. His father Morris Pettit was one of the first elders and served the church faithfully for many years, and he was baptized by his older brother. Mark is a retired educator having taught in the Gilmer County school system and coached football for 30 years. He is a graduate of three different universities and went on to earn the Education Specialist degree while teaching in Ellijay. He has been married to Laurie Kay Pettit for 33 years and they have two adult sons.