William Bartley Pirtle III

Billy Pirtle, 44, passed away in peace and faith while his wife held his hand on May 10th, 2023 in Nashville, TN after a brave 3 year fight with cancer. Radiating life in every moment on earth, Billy had his family in belly laughs with his impeccably timed one liners, even during their last gathering in his hospice room the night before his passing. Though he left this world achingly soon, his friends and family are comforted knowing he gave his all in everything he did, fitting in more adventure, creativity, thoughtful conversation, laughter and love than most ever do in a much longer lifetime. Asking anyone who had the pleasure of sharing a moment with Billy, you hear words like steady, authentic, kind, joyful, brave, funny, inspiring, God centered, positive, humble, and extremely multi-talented. He had a knack for excelling at anything he put his mind to from athletics to musical instruments, and he never did anything halfway. He loved spending time with his family and cherished his close relationships with each of them. Billy built and maintained many quality friendships through life, some lasting from childhood, and never took a second for granted with them. He shined especially bright in his role as a husband to his beloved wife Moriah, whom he treasured. Along with their two rescue dogs, Peanut and Hazel, Billy and Moriah’s marriage was an example of pure and true love to those around them.

Born as William Pirtle III on October 3rd, 1978 in Columbus, OH, to Cheryl Pirtle Parks and William Pirtle II, he was the older brother to his two younger sisters Jessica and Emily. Billy grew up in Marietta, GA, where he found and fostered his love of competitive tennis and swimming, which he maintained throughout his life. His parents recall that from an early age, Billy had a sweet and funny disposition and a very independent spirit, never feeling the need to follow the crowd and often standing out for his strength of character. He was a prominent member of Stingrays swimming, becoming a leader known for his exuberant portrayal of the “Hulk” at the beginning of each swim meet. His sisters fondly retell how Billy would pump up the crowd with his ”Hulk” speeches for every team there and became known for It all around the southeast. Billy’s love of swimming and natural leadership made him not just a valuable teammate, but also an impactful coach for several years.

Billy went to Union College on a tennis scholarship, and then swam competitively for Western Kentucky where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduation, he moved to Miami, FL where he worked in business to business sales for Leather Trend and played in a popular, regional rock band before moving to Nashville, TN a few years later. His passion for swimming stayed with him expanding into Xterra Triathlons and mountain bike races. He won many medals and awards and raced all over the country. His sense of adventure led him to skydiving where he had over 50 jumps under his belt, motorcycle rides on his Ducati, and many long backpacking trips with his best friends.

Billy met his wife Moriah in 2009 at his home in Brentwood, TN. He told the story often, through a beaming smile, that love truly knocked on his front door. They Married in 2014 and lived happily with their 2 rescue dogs in East Nashville, TN. They shared a love of music, family, faith, long walks to coffee shops in their neighborhood, time with friends, and travel. They spent a lot of time together at Woodmont Christian Church where they led music and served as mentors to the youth there. They felt honored daily to have an opportunity to work with that age group and walk with them through life challenges. Billy impacted many young lives and will remain a beacon of encouragement, strength and love in their hearts.

He had a successful career in business to business sales in the furniture industry and then sports apparel co-branding before getting his Hearing Instrument License in 2015. He was a Hearing Instrument Specialist for HearingLife where he was employed as a jr partner at the time of his passing. He was a favorite amongst his patients and found meaning being able to use his skills to encourage and improve people's lives.

Billy was a talented musician on both piano and guitar. He got a lot of joy and inspired others using his gifts playing for diverse crowds everywhere from country music festivals with his wife, to leading worship at his church in Nashville. His talent reached beyond his ability to play and into creating the instruments themselves, building several guitars by hand from the base up.

Billy Pirtle is survived by his loving wife, Moriah Pirtle, of 8 years and two dogs Peanut and Hazel Pirtle. He is also survived by his Parents, Bill Pirtle, Cheryl Pirtle Parks and stepfather Larry Parks, his sisters, Jessica Pirtle and Emily Coker, and brother in law Matt Coker. Also by his in laws, Gary Domby, Debra Domby Hood, step in laws, Bill Hood and Jane Santarsiere, sister and brother in law, Kara and Paul Fuller, and nieces Alice and Isla Fuller. The loss is felt deeply by Moriah’s step siblings, nieces and nephews, Josh, Theresa, Brandon, Melanie, Jonathan, Sarah, Jackson, Foster, Oliver, Owen and Isabell Hood, Caedra and Joseph Miller. He will always and be held in love and memory forever by his aunts, cousins and dear friends.

A service was held on Saturday May, 20th at Woodmont Christian Church. 3601 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215.

Flowers can be sent to Woodmont Christian Church, or donations can be made in his honor to Nashville Humane Society, Russell Rescue Tn or Alive Hospice Nashville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Pirtle family.