H. Drue Pirtle

H. Drue Pirtle Johntown, TX----Henry Drue Pirtle, 76, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at home, Saturday, June 18th 2011. After a heart transplant in1999, he lost a courageous battle against cancer. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, June 21st at the Johntown Missionary Baptist Church, Johntown,Texas with Reverend Calvin Hancock and Reverend Bobby Clark officiating. Burial Services will follow at the Bogata Cemetery. There will be a visitation on Monday evening from 7-9pm at Johntown Missionary Baptist Church Foyer. Mr. Pirtle was born on September 3rd, 1934 in Johntown, Tx. to Eunice and Ruby Pirtle. He graduated with honors from both Bogata High School in 1951 and from East Texas State University in 1956 with a BS degree in Accounting and a minor in Economics. After graduating from college, he began a 25 year career in the area of Accounting with various firms across East Texas which culminated into a position of Chief Accountant and ultimately Vice President- Treasurer of Trice Production Company in 1974. His interest in oil and gas led him to live in Longview,TX and develop a partnering interest in the Longview, Gibraltar, and Fourway Oil Companies. He was always drawn to the importance of education and serving the community. In 1983, Drue was appointed as the County Commissioner, Precinct 1, Red River County where he served for many years. Drue enjoyed politics and bringing solutions to issues that affect our daily lives. Drue also served 4 years on the Talco-Bogata School Board, director at the First National Bank of Deport, and the Red River Girl Scouts. He also served as president of the Johntown Baseball Association and Bogata Kwanis club. He was a tremendous businessman and community statesman. Drue was a wonderful man who touched many lives and made many friends. He was saved in 1952 and joined Johntown Missionary Baptist Church. Drue's fondest memories and greatest times occurred around this church. He loved it with all his heart. Being a Christian was one of his main fundamentals as a man. He served as a Sunday school teacher, music director, treasurer, church clerk, and was ordained as a deacon in 1966. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tommie Joy Roach; and his grandson Zane Pirtle. Survivors include his wife, Billie Pirtle;daughter, Lana Belknap and husband, Don; son, Clay Pirtle and wife, Tanna; stepsons, Brian Harville and wife, Robin and Jeff Harville and wife, Kelley; grandchildren, Kyla and Jesse Harville, Jacob and Kristen Harville, Tomi Jai and Jett Pirtle, and Gage and Cole Belknap; sister, Myra Permenter and brother, Vance Pirtle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Southwest Transplant Alliances: www.organ.org 2 Timothy 4:7- "I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the Faith."