A. W. Pirtle, Jr.

Mr. A. W. Pirtle, Jr., 82, of Whiteville, departed this life on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Memphis on June 30, 1941, to the late A. W. Pirtle, Sr. and Bessie Virginia Owen Pirtle Tubbs and married the former Brenda Taylor on July 3, 1964.  Mr. Pirtle, and his wife, moved to Hardeman County in 1971 where  he had a large impact on the community and lived the remainder of his life.

Mr. Pirtle worked at Harmon International in Bolivar for 20 years in the purchasing department and eventually became receiving foreman.  He also worked at Dover Elevator in Middleton for eight years and Bolivar Recycling for five.  He is remembered by many in our community for being the owner/operator of Boom City Fireworks since 1991.  He began his career in fireworks in 1982.  

As a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Bolivar, he faithfully served as Deacon and Sunday School Director.   Also, he was actively involved in the church’s bus ministry where, on Saturdays, he would visit children and invite them to services on Sunday.  Many of these children would not have had transportation to church if it were not for his efforts.  He was also involved in the Hardeman County Crisis Team, through the Baptist Association, aiding those struck by calamity or disaster all over the country.

In his leisure time, A. W. loved being at Trinity Baptist with his church family.  Also, he enjoyed moments spent with his family, especially when they sang together.

He leaves his wife of 59 years, Brenda Pirtle of Whiteville; daughter, Cheryl (Steve) Trainum of Bolivar; son, Ron (Dede) Pirtle of Whiteville; six grandchildren, Amber (Bryce) Majors, Ashley (Derek) Boyd, Autumn (Dylan) Taylor, Jeremiah (Haley) Pirtle, Joshua Pirtle and fiancée Gabby  Bufkin, and Jason (Elora) Pirtle; four great-grandchildren, Zachary and Zoey Majors, Elena Pirtle and Theo Rodriquez Pirtle; step-brother, Marty (Sherry) Tubbs of Cleveland, MS; and a step-sister-in-law, Bonnie Tubbs of Jackson, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Anna Nicole Pirtle; sister, Ann Pirtle Arbogast; stepfather, Elmo Tubbs; and a step-brother, Mike Tubbs.

Memorials may be sent to Trinity Baptist Church, 1210 Tate Road, Bolivar, TN 38008.