Joshua Franklin "Frank" Pirkle

Joshua Franklin "Frank" Pirkle, Jr., age 66, of Hoschton, GA died Saturday, August 25, 2018, after an extended battle with heart disease. A lifelong resident of Hoschton, Frank was a faithful follower of Christ and a member of Christ Place Church in Oakwood, GA. He graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) with an Associate degree in Science and the University of Georgia with a Master of Science degree in Reproductive Science. He enjoyed a long career in the poultry industry having worked for Crystal Farms, J&S Farms, and Cal-Maine Foods.  His was very knowledgeable about cattle farming, and he often served as a judge for livestock. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to go hunting.  Before his illness progressed, he played on teams with The Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) for a number of years and had been an avid runner, competing in the annual Peachtree Road Race as well as other races. Survivors include his beloved wife Ruth (Ruthie) Shuford Pirkle; mother Nellie Stone Pirkle of Hoschton; brother Steve Pirkle and wife Brenda of Arenzville, Illinois; nieces Jesseca Pirkle and Morgan Pirkle both of Arenzville, Illinois.  He is preceded in death by his father Joshua Franklin Pirkle, Sr.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel.  Rev. Kevin Ross will be officiating. Interment to be held at the Pirkle Family Cemetery, 1215 Josh Pirkle Rd. Hoschton, GA. The family will receive friends 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, August 31, 2018, at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Helping Hands Missions 5043 Bristol Industrial Way Buford, GA 30518   https.www.helpinghandsmissions.org or to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association at www2.heart.org 1-800-242-8721, or P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.  Funeral arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org,  706-654-0966.