Gregory Allen Pirkle

Gregory Allen Pirkle, a well-respected hospitality industry veteran who offered grassroots support of animals in every community in which he worked and traveled, died unexpectedly August 16, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. He was 61.

Throughout his 40-year career as a hotel management executive, Greg traveled to and lived in far-flung locations, including Malaysia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the Bahamas. He had the gift of integrating himself into each community, seeking out and supporting its needs - whether it was supporting a struggling employee's family, organizing blood drives, or setting up a spay-and-neuter and feeding programs for stray animals.

Greg also personally adopted unwanted or stray cats and brought them back to his home base in Dunwoody, Ga. Julie and Molly relocated from Saudi Arabia, Daisy hailed from Indonesia and Coco from Egypt. While Greg was in Little Rock, Ark. as the general manager of the Capital Hotel, he visited a local shelter and asked to adopt the sickest and oldest cat in residence. Liberty is now living in Dunwoody with her adopted siblings.

He also served on various boards worldwide that supported his love of animals and his other causes. While in Little Rock, he served on the board of the Natural State Council of Boy Scouts of America.

"Greg was a well-loved and respected member of the [Little Rock] Natural State Council, Boy Scouts of America Executive Board," Boy Scouts CEO Shanna Richardson said. "He was an avid supporter and fundraiser ensuring all youth had access to the leadership lessons and outdoor experiences provided by Scouting."

His last employer, the Capital Hotel, posted an online tribute to Greg, calling him "our dear friend and fearless leader."

"They say a legacy is planting seeds in a garden that you will never get to see grow, but Greg's garden is already blooming," the statement said. "Our profound desire to serve his memory and our community is what propels us forward at this difficult time."

Greg was born in Hackensack, NJ on September 26, 1962, the second child and only son of Carl and Anita Pirkle. He graduated from Blacksburg High School in Blacksburg, Va. and earned a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He spent the majority of his career working for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

He is predeceased by his father, Carl, and his sister, Allison. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sherry Merchant Pirkle; his mother, Anita; his sister, Dana Gaines (Jack); Sherry's siblings, James Merchant (Kathleen), Mark Merchant (Vicki) and Dawn Sinibaldi (Joe); and 14 nieces and nephews.

You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide. Although we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

A service for Greg will be held at 1 p.m.on October 4, 2024 at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 805 Mt. Vernon Road in Sandy Springs.

As one of Greg's lifelong passions was supporting animals in the communities where he lived and worked, the family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local animal shelter.

Donations can also be sent to Boy Scouts of America Council at 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72202.