LOCAL OBITUARY | John Robert “Bobby” Pirtle Jr., of Lynchburg, passed away on Friday, December 1. He was 62 years old.

Born on June 23, 1961 in Lincoln County to John Robert Pirtle, Sr. and Ida Simmons Whitt, Bobby lived his life as a Moore County farmer who enjoyed feeding cattle and spending hours on his tractors, bush hogs, and bulldozers on his Simmons Hollow farm. He frequently participated in truck pulling and was very active in the southern, middle Tennessee truck pulling circuit with longtime friends who became family. He spoke to them and many friends daily.

According to his family, Bobby loved spending time on the farm, at truck pulls, and with his family with whom he shared a special bond. He especially loved taking one or several of his six grandchildren for tractor rides.

“He was the best dad any kid could ask for and adored both them and his grandchildren,” they said. “He also treated his friends like family and would always come if any of them called for help.”

He is preceded in death by his father.

In addition to his mother, Bobby is survived by his wife, Pam Pirtle, as well as his two sons, Zach Pirtle, and B.J. Jennings; and his daughters Brandy (Eric) Brandon, and Ashlee (Ron) Cunningham. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Hayden Carter, Bryson Carter, Hudson Brandon, Raegan Jennings, Braxton Jennings, and Jake Cunningham.

In addition, he is also survived by his brothers, Michael Baker and Ashley (Diana) Roland, and his sister, Patsy (Terry) Kennemer, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Lynchburg Funeral Home, located at 1630 Fayetteville Highway, on Tuesday, December 5 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service will follow on Wednesday, December 6 beginning at 11 a.m. Mike Awalt will deliver the eulogy and the burial will follow at Booneville Cemetery. •

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