William Loy "Bill" Pirkle

William Loy Pirkle was born on October 16, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia. From an early age, he showed the curiosity and independence that would shape the rest of his life.

The son of Loy Clay Pirkle and Mary Ann Bailey, Bill graduated high school from Woodward Academy and went on to earn a degree in Mathematics from Georgia State University. He had a sharp, analytical mind - the kind that enjoyed solving problems and asking questions that others hadn't yet thought to ask.

He served honorably in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade during the Vietnam era, stationed in the United States. While in the Navy, he earned his pilot's license - an early sign of both his discipline and his love of challenge.

Bill built a career in information technology when the field was still young. He worked as a programmer in Washington, D.C., and later in Los Angeles. Eventually, he stepped away from corporate life to work for himself, writing software and even developing early artificial intelligence games long before most people were talking about AI. During the buildup to Y2K, he served as a consultant, calmly helping organizations prepare for a moment many feared would bring chaos.

But Bill was never defined by just one path. In his younger years, he studied martial arts - what he called his "Bruce Lee years." He learned to fence, earned his scuba license, and developed an impressive talent for music. Mostly self-taught, he could play classical piano from memory, and in college he played guitar and sang in bands. Learning, for Bill, was lifelong.

He loved to travel and to share those experiences with his son, James. From the Bahamas to the Baja Peninsula, from San Francisco to Hawaii for James's 21st birthday, Bill believed the world was meant to be explored. On his own, he traveled through Europe, South America , and Asia, always curious about new places and perspectives.

He was also a writer and poet, publishing several books that reflected his thoughtful - and often strong - views about the world. Whether through conversation, music, or writing, Bill valued ideas and the exchange of them.

He remained active in Kappa Sigma fraternity for more than fifty years, maintaining friendships that lasted a lifetime. So to did he maintain friendships with the people who he befriended over the years. His phone book was filled with names of people who he met over the many years, and he spoke with them often.

Bill is survived by his son James and daughter-in-law Marla, granddaughters Addie and Ellie; his half-brother Gary Pirkle; his half-sister Tammy King; sister-in-law Barbara, nieces Anna and Emily; cousins Will and Rob; and many others who knew his thoughtful spirit. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold and his parents.

In his later years, Bill made his home in Washington State with his girlfriend Virginia Jimenez, where he lived until his passing on February 14, 2026.

Bill lived a life marked by intellect, independence, creativity, and adventure. He believed in learning deeply, traveling widely, and thinking for oneself. Those who knew him will remember his music, his ideas, and his determination to live life on his own terms.

His journey leaves behind lasting memories, meaningful conversations, and a legacy carried forward by those who loved him.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Sosebee Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery.

Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, GA is honored to serve the family of William Loy "Bill" Pirkle. Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131