Morris “Vance” Pirtle
November 20, 1944 ~ June 3, 2023
Morris Vance Pirtle, lovingly called Vance, peacefully passed away surrounded by his children on June 3, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born on November 20, 1944, in Johntown, Texas, to his caring parents, Eunice Vance Pirtle and Ruby Lee Smith Pirtle.
He graduated from Bogata High School in 1963, where he also served as the class president. Continuing his education, Vance attended Paris Junior College and East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. In 1972, he obtained certification as a Driver’s Education Instructor.
Vance dedicated his professional life to education and coaching. He served as the Athletic Director and Head Girl’s Athletic Coach in several high schools, including Mount Pleasant High School, Texas Senior High School in Texarkana, Texas City High School, and Daingerfield High School.
While Vance achieved many milestones throughout his career, his greatest joy revolved around his family. Prior to marriage and having children, he was a devoted brother and uncle. Once he became a husband and father, he wholeheartedly embraced his role, giving his wife and children unconditional love. Vance treasured every moment with his family. His love also extended to his community, leaving an enduring impact as a dedicated teacher and coach, greatly influencing his students and athletes.
Vance’s musical tastes leaned towards the legendary Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, and he had a knack for strumming the guitar as part of his band, The Rock-Its. You could catch him unwinding by the lake or relaxing in his recliner, faithfully cheering on the Rangers.
Vance was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Michelle ‘Micki’ Pirtle, his parents Eunice Vance Pirtle and Ruby Lee Smith Pirtle, as well as his brother Henry Drue Pirtle and wife, Tommie Joy Roach. He is survived by his sister, Myra Ann Pirtle Jean Permenter (preceded in death by Harvey Lee Jean).
Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Lindsey Montgomery and her husband Kendric, and Stephanie Palmer and her husband Darren. He is also survived by his two sons, Noah Pirtle and his wife Katlyn, and Connor Pirtle. Vance’s adored grandchildren include Kieron and Knox Montgomery, Laiklyn Epps, Arie Palmer, Elijah Mapps, Zion Palmer, and Jonah Pirtle.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Donald Jean and his wife Freda, Dana Jean, Dale Jean and Dawn Tysdal-Jean, Darla Jean Brunson and her husband Ryan Brunson, Lana Pirtle Belknap and her husband Donald, and Clay Pirtle and his wife Tanna. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
The pallbearers are Donald Jean, Dale Jean, Mitchell Jean, Dale Bruce Rhodes, Dewayne Martin, and Kendric Montgomery. The following individuals will serve as honorary pallbearers: Michael ‘Mike’ Wayne Pirtle, Ed Pirtle, Bill Buckman, Al Castleman, Jerry Hutson, Galen Legate, Jacky Gray, Donnie Smith, Robert Kennedy, and Johnny Hudson.
A funeral service to honor the life of Morris Vance Pirtle will take place on June 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Johntown Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at Bogata Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. Family, friends and all whose lives were touched by Vance are warmly invited to attend.
Services
Funeral Ceremony: June 10, 2023 11:00 am
Johntown Missionary Baptist Church
2594 County Road 1436
Bogota , Texas
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So sorry. Worked with him for many years. Praying for you guys!
Coach Pirtle was the epitome of a good man. I have to catch his softball pitches many times. He could throw hard, very hard.. Condolences
I had Coach for driver’s ed. He was a ast. We spent many a day driving to Johntown to see his mom. He also worked hard on me to join track but naw, I was too busy. Rest in peace, Coach.
I didn’t like Vance at first, but grew to respect him even when he laid the lumber on me.
Rest In Peace, Vance.
God Bless the Family!
Brett Thomas
So sorry to hear this. What can I say? Vance was a good guy. He always treated everyone with respect, and knew how to make a person feel accepted. He leaves a mark on many people and will be missed.
Coach Pirtle made me go harder than any coach I ever had. We often didn’t see eye to eye, but he made me a better athlete and and I always looked forward to his humor. Rest east coach. You were the best.
Coach,
Thank u for showing me how to run and your push to make us a great team.
Vance was My Childhood Buddy. He was the BEST….I will never forget Him. R. I. P. Vanie Boy.
So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Coach Pirtle was instrumental in the start of the girls track program at Mt Pleasant High School which I was privileged to be a part of for the first 3 years. He was a very good coach and treated us all equally. I’ll never forget seeing that smile as I approached the finish line or cleared the high jump bar. Rest in peace Coach.
So many memories, soany ups and downs. I will remember him as a man who loves his family and tries his best to do right by them. Rest in peace….
I know Our Lord is so happy to have Vance. Reading his writeup brings back so many memories. God bless his sweet family.