George D Pirkle

George Donaldson Pirkle, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 6, 2021. Don was born in Enterprise, Alabama on November 21, 1937, to George Howard and Cupidean Pirkle. He was one of seven children. Don moved to Florida in the 1950's, where he graduated from Kathleen High School. Don met Shirley Ann Buckler at Pine Valley Dairy 2 and married her on the chilly morning of January 11, 1958 and started a family.
Over the years, Don worked as dairyman, carpenter, and real estate agent. He was an excellent wood worker and enjoyed creating toys for children. Don and Shirley enjoyed traveling the United States, fishing, spending time with their family, and attending St. Clements Catholic Church. Don and Shirley raised dairy and beef cattle. In 2006, they retired in Centerville, Tennessee to operate a beef cattle ranch. They returned to Florida in 2016 to be near family.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Howard and Cupidean, and sisters Myrtle Lee Pirkle and Shirley Estelle Buckler. Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley; his siblings Kenny Pirkle (Maxine), Irvin Pirkle (Pat), Patricia Guilliote (Harry), and Judy Delaney; his children Freda Pirkle-Carey (Mike), Phyllis Olmstead, Bobby Pirkle (Joy), and Faith Clark (Larry). Don is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was kind and a hard worker. He will be missed.
The family will receive friends 6:00pm - 6:30pm, Thursday, October 21, 2021, with a memorial service to follow at 6:30pm, both at Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road, Lakeland, Florida.
Online condolences may be left for the family at Lanier.care.

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