Freddie D. Pirtle

Mr. Freddie Pirtle, 90, of Woodbury passed away on June 26, 2021. He was born in Smithville, TN on February 3, 1931. Preceding him in death were his wife, Frances West Pirtle; parents, William Calvin and Fannie Williams Pirtle; brothers, Johnny James and William “Bill” Pirtle; and sister Minnie Farless. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth (Harvey) Freeze of Elkhart, IN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Freddie Pirtle knew how to work hard and how to have fun. He had experience budding trees at a nursery. The budding was often done during the hottest times of the year, but he wasn’t afraid to sweat. He proved that when he began working at the Colonial Shirt Factory, where his brother-in-law, J P "Doc" introduced him to his future wife. Mr. Doc told him, “I have a woman for you” and obviously knew him well. He and Mrs. Frances enjoyed many wonderful years together.

After he left Colonial, Mr. Freddie began working at Samsonite, staying there for over 30 years. Starting out on the line, he worked his way into set up and then into maintenance as an oiler. He carpooled with his nephews, and they remember his favorite time was during shut down. There weren’t as many employees in the plant, so the maintenance crew would get the 3-wheel Samsonite bikes and race around the plant.

Many who knew Mr. Freddie knew him because of his green thumb. He was an avid gardener and also raised apple, peach, and dogwood trees. He often had a bountiful harvest and loved to share with his family, friends, and community. If you saw him out and about, he was most likely going out to eat with a friend or headed to deliver some produce. During his outings, he made sure to get some talking in too. He loved joking with friends and telling stories.

Mr. Freddie attended Charles Creek Baptist Church of Christ with one of his friends. His trademark denim blue shirt with the embroidered Farmall tractor was always a welcomed sight and an informal notice that Southern hospitality was headed your way.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Larry Thomas will officiate. Interment will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made Whorton Springs Cemetery or a charity of your choice. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337

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