James Pirtle, 88, of Smithville passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at his residence. 

He was a retired owner and operator of Pirtle’s Nursery, former truck driver, and a Baptist.  Mr. Pirtle was a Army Veteran, a Mason (Lodge #77), 32nd degree Scottish Rite, and former ambassador of the Shriner club. 

Mr. Pirtle was preceded in death by his parents, James Pirtle and Maggie Keith Braswell, three grandchildren, Jeremy Caldwell, Joshua Caldwell and Courtney Pirtle, 3 sisters, Donna Sue Lawson, Faye and Jimmy Smith, Sandra and Earl Houk, 2 brothers, Eugene Evans and William Pirtle, three sons-in-law, Ronnie Hale, Jim Haley and Michael Caldwell and a special friend, Keith Petriquin.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Ruth Houk Pirtle; one son, Danny (Melissa) Pirtle; one daughter, Judy Hale; four grandchildren, Trista (Jake) Bond, Danny (Kayla) Pirtle Jr., Matthew Hale, Amy Hale, Julie (Kenny) Vincent; four great-grandchildren, Michael Caldwell, Christopher (Beverly Knauer) Caldwell, Michael Bond and Lettie Bond; brother-in-law, Tony Lawson; special friends, Pete Kasoudji  and Carroll Irby. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service with military honors were held on Saturday, November 12th, 2022. A Masonic Service was held at prior to the services.  A private burial was held for the family at Banks Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Ricardo Romo, Chris Caldwell, Michael Caldwell, Carrroll Irby, Mark Adams, Matt Hale and David Pirtle. 

Love - Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville,  was in charge of the arrangements. 

Smithville Review