Funeral services for Billy Pirtle, 82, of Athens, Texas, are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the Lake Athens Baptist Church in Athens with Bro. Mike Curry officiating.
Mr. Pirtle went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 in Athens.
Billy Dwain Pirtle was born October 3, 1932 in Cross Roads, Texas the son of Orval Pirtle and Hallie Mae Francis Pirtle. He graduated from Athens High School in 1950 where he met the love of his life Jerry N. Urquhart. After graduating from Henderson County Junior College in 1952 he married Jerry and attended East Texas State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies. Mr. Pirtle owned and operated KTER radio station in Terrell for over 25 years and was an active member of many community organizations in Terrell.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Terrell and was ordained as a Deacon in 1965. His life was filled with outreach to others and time spent in his faith. He most recently served as deacon at Lake Athens Baptist Church. He was an avid supporter of Trinity Valley Community College and known as a dedicated Cardinal fan. Grand Daddy was a family man whose love and dedication to his career never stood in the way of his love for his family. “DB” was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a true believer in serving others through his work, social activities and family life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jerry Lynn Pirtle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Jerry Nell Urquhart Pirtle of Athens; three children, Lisa Wharton and husband Michael of Martins Mill, Melissa Barkley of Forney, Steve Pirtle and wife Nancy of McKinney; four grandchildren, Whitney Lee and husband Ryan, Emily Wharton, Amy Chapman and husband Bobby, Sara Spillman and husband Ted and two great grandchildren, Callaway Lee and Lincoln Chapman.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2015, at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in Billy’s memory to: TVCC Foundation, 100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, Texas 75751, 903-670-2620.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.
You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at: www.hannigansmith.com.