Jerriel Wayne Pirtle's Obituary
Memorial services for Jerriel Pirtle will be held Tuesday, February 15 at 2:00 at Oakland Heights Church in Longview with Gregg Zackary, senior associate pastor at Mobberly Church officiating. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 at the funeral home.
Jerriel was born on June 21, 1934 in Johntown, Texas to Wayne and Cleo Pirtle. Mr. Pirtle passed away on February 11, 2011 after a short illness.
He leaves behind a wonderful loving family and wife, Ann Pirtle of over 50 years. Jerriel has four loving sons, Steve and wife Melanie of Longview, Richard and wife Missie of Longview, Mike and wife Andrea of Tyler, and Terry and wife Terri of Tyler. Mr. Pirtle leaves behind nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He has resided in Longview since 1948. He was a graduate of Pine Tree High School in 1951. He was a member of the Football, Golf, Basketball and baseball teams and each of his sons attended and graduated from Pine Tree Schools.
After graduation he joined the United States Marines and was honorably discharged July 8, 1958. Mr. Pirtle began his career working for the city of Longview in the water department, and eventually became a fireman for the city of Longview. Jerriel soon found his niche, becoming a homebuilder in Longview in 1964. In that same year, he joined the East Texas Builders Association, an association that would span 40 years. Mr. Pirtle would go on to become one of Longview?s most respected businessmen building several hundred homes in Longview. He served in several capacities of the ETBA, and was responsible for many homes in the Pine Tree School District.
Having four sons, Jerriel spent much of his time in the Longview Boys Baseball Association touching the lives of many young men. His influence with his own sons and his love for home building and sports can be measured through their success. His two eldest sons, Steve and Richard, followed his footsteps as a builder and have built many quality homes in Longview. His two youngest sons?, Mike and Terry, followed his passion of coaching and touched many lives of young men through teaching and coaching.
Jerriel was a member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. The family would thank Doctors DeWitt McDonald, Rama Nayini, and Sanjay Reeddy, for care throughout his illness. The family would also like to thank to Dr. George Leatherman for his compassion and care in Jerriel?s final days.
The Pirtle family would like to recognize LaRae Hughes and her family. The Hughes' support and encouragement throughout the years for Ann and Jerriel were tremendous and appreciated.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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