Cecil Edward Pirtle Jr., a faithful and dependable father, husband, and coach, returned to the loving arms of his creator on October 31, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on April 29th, 1949, Eddie lived a life filled with tremendous dedication and service to his family and friends.

Eddie met his forever love, Janet, in Radiological Technology school in 1974. They were married in Cairo, Illinois on June 5th, 1976. Eddie worked for Methodist Healthcare as a senior radiological technician for thirty years. In his youth, Ed was an athlete and talented musician. He attended Central High School in Memphis, TN, and played the trumpet in the marching band. After graduating high school, Ed attended Memphis State on a musical scholarship and played for the Memphis State marching band. After school, Ed's tremendous talent with the trumpet allowed him to be invited to play for the legendary Ella Fitzgerald in Memphis.

Eddie enlisted in the Navy in February 1965 during the Vietnam War. He served on the aircraft carrier, USS Kennedy, and would attain the rank of E4. During his military career, Eddie played trumpet for military funerals. The Navy also recruited Eddie to their baseball team. He spent the last years of his service flying all over the country, playing baseball for the Navy, and gaining recognition as a very talented catcher. Eddie also loved to coach youth baseball. Coach Ed took a team under his wing and led them to several undefeated seasons and several Little League state championships. Several of Coach Ed's players stayed in contact with him for the rest of his life. Ed never lost that passion for baseball and coaching. He continued to coach his grandchildren until his final day.

Anyone who knew Eddie knew he was dedicated to serving his friends. Whether at work or home; everyone knew they could count on Ed for any help they might need. Often a simple phone call asking for instructions on a project would abruptly end with a, "I'm on my way." It was impossible for Eddie to sit still. If he wasn't running to and fro for his children or grandchildren, he could be found on his lawn mower or in his flower beds. Ed's yard was his canvas that highlighted how dedicated and passionate he was about the things he loved.

Perhaps Eddie's greatest accomplishment was the sheer love and adoration he garnered from his children and grandchildren. They looked upon him as a superhero, because he was their superhero. He was the person they called any time something went wrong. If his children didn't mind some admonishment for their "stupidity", they would crawl to him in need of assistance. And daddy would fix it. He always fixed it. To his children, there was nothing he could not fix. Words are written or spoken and they fade in time. Eddie was a man of action and the way he showed up for his children and grandchildren will never fade from their hearts.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother & Father, Martha Elizabeth Murphy and Cecil Edward Pirtle Sr; Step-Father Ben W. Murphy, sister Bettye Carol Rogers, and brother-in-law James Robert Rogers Sr.

Survived by: wife Janet Pirtle; children Brian Pirtle (Kristin) and Dr. Raelyn Pirtle Smith (James Daniel); grandchildren Kaelyn Faith Pirtle "Kaekae", Charleston Edward Pirtle "Charlie", James Axelson Smith, and James Aidan Fitzhugh; nephew Bobby Rogers; nieces Beth Marie Seibert and Beverly Rogers Bacon; step-brothers Michael Dale Murphy and Ben W. Murphy Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Bartlett Animal Shelter in Eddie Pirtle's name in memory of his overwhelming fondness for animals.
Funeral services are directed by Forest Hill Funeral Home East in Memphis, TN. Services will be held on November 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm