Otho Edward Pirkle

Otho E. Pirkle, 95, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, December 24, 2017. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 10:00am until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr., Warner Robins, 31088 or to the donor’s favorite charity.

Otho was born in Flowery Branch, Georgia to the late Grover and Bessie Jones Pirkle and was preceded in death by several siblings. He graduated from Norman Park Jr. College and received a Bachelor Degree from Mercer University and a Master Degree from the University of Georgia. Otho enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in January of 1943 as a Flight Engineer on a B-24 Bomber during WWII. He was a Baptist Minister for forty years and was the pastor of country churches while teaching school. He taught at Lanier High School, was a Counselor at Willingham High School and was also a Principal at Jessie Rice Elementary School and Alexander IV Elementary School. His gentle spirit and kind nature were a blessing to his family and all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Carolyn Hendricks Pirkle; children, Joyce (Jack) Payne and David (Sharon) Pirkle; grandchildren, J.C. Payne, Eric (Robin) Payne and Andy (Heather) Payne; great grandchildren, Noah Payne, Abigail Payne, Mia Adams and Lucas Payne; and sister, Maybelle Cross.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of arrangements.