Obituary – Dr. Jack Pirkle
Sunday, November 2, 2025
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Lord called Jack Pirkle home after a battle with cancer. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Trinity United Methodist Church. Reverend Chris Hester will officiate the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.
Born in Duluth, Georgia Jack was raised in Dacula, Georgia before ultimately finding a home in north Hall. Jack attended Central Gwinnett High School before attending Young Harris College and later Lagrange College. After receiving his master’s and specialist degree at the University of Georgia, Jack ultimately earned a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern.
Jack was known among much of Hall County having served as the principal of East Hall High School and later West Hall High School. It was not an uncommon event for Jack to be greeted by past students upon whom Jack had left an impression.
Jack is preceded in death by his father and mother John Hoyt Pirkle, Dorothy Frances Allen Pirkle and his brother John Donald Pirkle.
Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years Patricia "Patti" Swindel Pirkle, his children Ashley Durham (Larry), Allison Pirkle Ellis (Mark), Stephen Shawn Pirkle, his grandchildren Colby Wade Ellis, Grace Elizabeth Pirkle, Dillion Jack Pirkle, William Clyde Durham, and his sister Joan Pirkle Seaton, and various nieces and nephews.
Jack was involved in two church choirs in his adult life-Ivy Creek Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church-congregations Jack considered an extension of his family. Jack was an avid equestrian, having been involved in Tennessee Walking Horses his entire life, earning several National and International titles and a Reserve World Championship at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. He proudly owned the 2020 Five and Under Trail Pleasure World Grand Champion, "Self Made Money" who was under the direction of Jessica Hlebak.
Upon retiring from his career in education, Jack spoiled his grandchildren and enjoyed sitting on his porch. W. R. Strickland & Sons, Clermont, Ga.
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