Edwin ‘Eddy’ McCoy Pirtle
Edwin “Eddy” McCoy Pirtle died Oct. 12, 2010, after an extended illness. He was born in Burnet, the fourth child of James McCoy and Mildred Marie Pirtle.
His early years were spent in Arlington, where he attended school until the 11th grade.
Then he moved back with his parents to Burnet where he finished high school, graduating in 1968. He served in the Army after high school. He returned to the Hill Country and graduated from Durham Business College in Austin where he was trained to be a computer programmer.
While attending Durham, he met Mary Tobar, who graduated from Nixon-Clay Business College. They were married in 1972.
Their marriage was blessed by the birth of their son Edward Joseph Pirtle and forever changed by his untimely accidental death at 22.
His first job as a computer programmer was on a seismographic ship off the coast of Florida. He also did computer programming for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Headquarters and Texas Instruments, both in Dallas.
His greatest joy in a life plagued by illness was spending time with his family. His eyes never failed to light up when his loved ones were near. He lived without complaint or regret and never showed envy for those with healthier bodies, reassuring those around him that he was ready to go when God called him.
He found solace in his unwavering faith and in the love of his devoted wife and beloved grandson.
In addition to his wife of 38 years, survivors include his grandson Isaiah Pirtle; mother of Austin; sisters Beverly Thomson of Austin and Judy Baskey of Seattle, Wash.; brother Jim Pirtle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his son, he was preceded in death by his father.
A funeral service was Oct. 16 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 in Burnet, (512) 756-2222, with the Rev. Joannie Jackson officiating. Interment followed at the Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.
Pallbearers include Curtis Jackson, Lou Armbruster, Gordon Baker, Gregory Baker, Ector Tobar and Joe Tobar.
Honorary pallbearers include John Hoover, Hollis Baker and Roy Edward Ware.
A memorial register book is available at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.