The University of South Carolina and Gray Collegiate Academy shared in mourning the untimely loss of Phil Petty on July 21.

A three-year starting quarterback for the Gamecocks, the Boiling Springs’ native died at the age of 43. 

"Phil Petty typified what a Gamecock truly is," USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner said in a statement. "A native South Carolinian, he was a fighter on the football field, a tremendous person off the field and beloved by all Gamecocks. He was a great friend to many and a wonderful dad and husband. My prayers go out to his wife, Morgan, children, Sage and McCoy, and his many friends."

Prior to Petty’s death, he was hired to the coaching staff at West Columbia’s Gray Collegiate Academy by former Gamecock teammate Adam Holmes. He was set to join other former South Carolina players like Willie Offord (secondary) and Mike Armstrong (offensive line) in working with the defending Class 2A champions as a quarterbacks coach. 

“Phil brings an amazing offensive mind to help our offense produce at an even higher level,” Holmes said on June 22. “Quarterbacks that coach are always one step ahead and hopefully, he can bring us that extra edge.” 

During Petty’s playing career with the Gamecocks, he led the team to consecutive Outback Bowl titles and was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback 

In 2000, the Gamecocks’ improvement from a winless record the year before to an 8-4 mark was the largest single-season improvement in NCAA history. 

In the Gamecock career record books, he ranks fourth in pass attempts (861), sixth in pass completions (454), seventh in passing yards (5,652), seventh in total offensive yards (5,797) and tied for ninth in passing touchdowns (28).

“He was my brother and a leader of our team,” Holmes tweeted July 21, with a picture of a triumphant Petty and the hashtags #Legend #Brother #ForeverToThee #RIP #HurtingRightNow. “He led us to the turnaround we had and was a great friend, great dad and husband.”

Following Petty’s playing days, he was an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Hammond Academy during the 2003 season before joining the Gamecock coaching staff as a graduate assistant for the 2004 season.

Following the 2004 season, Petty joined the East Carolina University football staff, working with both tight ends and quarterbacks during his five-year tenure with the Pirates.

No cause of death has been reported, although it has been reported that Petty had been ill. 

"We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Petty family with the sad news of the loss of Phil this morning," Gray Collegiate school principal Brian Newsome said on Twitter. "Everyone at Gray was excited to welcome Phil and he shared many times with Adam and me that he was happy with the transition. Please keep his wife Morgan, 2 kids and entire family in your prayers. I ask that we respect their privacy during a very difficult time"