Dr. Danny Wayne Pirtle Jr.
October 3, 1974 - August 18, 2026
Dr. Danny Wayne Pirtle Jr., also known as “Doc,” was a deeply respected criminal justice professor, devoted mentor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away leaving behind a profound legacy of academic excellence, public service, community dedication, and, above all, love for his family.
Born in Jackson, Tennessee, on October 3, 1974, he was the son of Annie Hoyle-Greer (David) and the late Danny Wayne Pirtle Sr. (Gwen). Dr. Pirtle dedicated more than two decades of his life to transforming the criminal justice landscape and uplifting at-risk youth. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Tennessee State University before earning his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Juvenile Justice from Prairie View A&M University. Danny was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Above all of his professional accomplishments, Danny was a man who truly loved life and the people around him. His great sense of “fashion” was something he was always known for. Danny collected and bought old school record albums. He loved to travel, go camping, shop, play basketball and creating memories with his family. His warmth, humor, generosity, and presence brought a special light to those who knew and loved him.
Danny’s life was one of purpose, achievement, love, and service. His impact will continue through the countless students he taught, the young people he mentored, the communities he served, and, most importantly, the family he loved so deeply.
Danny is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Lettie Marie Perez-Pirtle; children, Dominique Odom-Pirtle, Dani Lauren Pirtle, Tarik Clark (Wendy), Jvon Clark (Adrian) and Ashanti Moore; mother, Annie Hoyle-Greer; siblings, La’Kischa Pirtle and Ma’Sharie Pirtle; grandchildren, Riyann, Ryleigh, Phoenix, Phor, Sydney, Paris, London, Jayce, Jax, and A’Lyric; and goddaughter, Ikiyah Searcy.
Danny’s lifelong legacy will continue to live on through his immediate family, as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, step-parents, step-siblings, extended family members, and dear friends.
His work may have ended, but his impact will never fade. His memory will live on in every lesson he taught, every life he touched, and every family memory created along the way.
All services will be held privately.
Jill Shafi
My deepest condolences
May God hold you up during this most difficult time
Ricardo Hoyle
Just writing to say cuz I love you and gone miss you. To my family I’m sending love and prayers your way.
Jacqueline hoyle
I love and miss you cuz praying for the family
Dennis Hill
I give the family my Condolences ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Janelle Bush
Cousin you will TRULY be missed! To the family y’all are forever in my heart and prayers.
Edna Sadler
So sorry for the lost of Danny he was a good dude may he rest in peace from the Sadler family
Fannie Turner
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m praying for your strength.
Deborah Gibbons
I ❤️ you all😘
Regina Jones
May he soar with the ancestors and may all who love him be comforted. My condolences.
Cousin/ Jean Theus
A cousin that I dearly love has passed away, It was too soon for me, but there would never have been enough time for me to let go. You were that one every one loved. Now, take your rest “lil Danny”, you done good young man. I ‘ll see on the other side 🪦❤️
Margarette Pirtle
Lil Danny you will be truly missed. Family I love y’all!
Brandon Ames & Lisa Walker
Danny, you will be missed more than words can express. You were so deeply loved by your family, and your loss leaves an emptiness that can never truly be filled. We feel so blessed to have known you and to have shared memories with you. Your kindness, wisdom, and the person you were and are will always stay with us. Your legacy will live on through your family, your students, and every life you touched. You will forever be loved, remembered, and missed. fly high 🪽🪽🪽🪽
We love you , Brandon & Lisa ❤️
Solomon Watkins
Dr.P! The flyest professor I know! Imma miss you and am grateful for everything you did for the community and for me!
To the family I love yall and you know if you I can do anything I’m there!
Asia D. Hightower
To the wife and family of Dr. Pirtle:
I am so thankful he took my sister-friend to be his partner. His thoughtfulness to support the dreams of his wife was admirable.
His fight was strong and his legacy will indeed live on. We recognize it is not the wealth we accumulate in this life but rather the LIVES we invest in. Thank God he was one who found delight in this life being an educator and one who understood the plight of a system that affected marginalized communities the most. Thank you to Lettie, his children and family for allowing him to flourish being a servant to others.
My deepest prayers of comfort are extended.
-Asia “Dailyn” Hightower
Lincoln University, Family Friend
Joyce Washington
Sending prayers and love to Lettie, Dani, and family! 🙏🏾❤️
Jvon Clark
To my step father who has been great since the day we’ve met, you will always be loved and truly be missed, your legacy lives on through us. May you watch over us all until we meet again, we will make you proud 🫡🕊️
Dejah Estes
Sending everyone love, strength, and peace as steadfast as Danny provided and exuded. He will be greatly missed. I am so very sorry.
Magdalena Hymes
My sincere and deepest condolences. You will be missed Danny! I have some great memories of you and the family. Our Road Trips that turned into epic adventures will forever be the best memories. Thank you for opening your home to Freddy. I’m sure him and Tae together gave you some of the biggest headaches lol.
Sending all my love to the family. Praying for comfort during this difficult time. I love y’all!
Derek Clark
My friend Danny.. Thank you for taking care of my sis, nephews and nieces.. You were definitely a blessing from above.. Just know tht your wrks, act of love and commitment to your family didn’t go unnoticed.. Rest easy my brother.. Love Gus..
Brenda Pirtle
My condolences to the family during this profound time of loss.
David Barber
My deepest condolences for your great loss. Dr. Danny Pirtle was a courageous man, a truth teller, and a friend. I will miss him.
Crystal Reeves
Cuz you left your mark & I couldn’t be more prouder to call you my family! I Love You Big Cuz!!! Warrior, take your rest! 🖤💛
Barbara Pirtle
Sorry to hear of the passing of Danny. Praying that God will give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
TeKisha Dawson
Sending the deepest condolences to the Pirtle family. Some of my fondest memories growing up from middle school at MLk and through high-school at Hunters Lane included Danny. He was a gift to this world that will not be forgotten.
Charleszell
My lil Cuzzn lil Danny mane I didn’t get to enjoy u in our adult yrs. I have plenty of memories in our childhood yrs. How we all were in Trinity Hills Apts. You , Cuzzn Boo, Titus, Jameel, My bro. Tracy, June Bug all us a family in dem apts. Can’t for your daddy Big Danny how he used to be dancing when he get to drinking 🤣🤣 Cuzz you gone be missed😔
Kevin Estes
To the Pirtle family, I send prayers of strength and my deepest condolences. I did not have the fortune of ever meeting Danny, but family members and friends who spoke of him to me always described him as being a very cool, genuine and compassionate person. And after reading about all of his accolades and positive impactful influence on those around him and so many others, it is easy for me to see why he is so dearly missed.
Maiysha Ware
I’ll always remember Danny as someone who dressed to the nines and carried himself with real distinction, he had a real presence. Getting to know Danny through my adored Lettie, I saw how much he loved and cared for his family. Rest well, Danny, we’ll hold the family up. ♾️🙏🏽♾️
Mary Giles
Danny made a positive impact on the Black faculty and staff at UTM. He worked diligently to ensure policies were appropriate and fair for all people not just for African Americans. He was a bold leader who inspired and encouraged others to be different while positively impacting and encouraging change where it was needed. His love for education will always be remembered! Farewell my brother! Job well done 🤍🤍🤍!
Camille
Prayers and Condolences for you all at this time of Great Loss. Danny has always been a Stand up Guy💥May God Bless Comfort and keep you All💞💕🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀LOVED AND WELL RESPECTED
Tanzya Chandler and Family
Prayers and Condolences to you all so sorry for your Loss🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💝
Vera Williams
My sincere condolences to you Lettie and the family praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.🙏🏾🙏🏾😔🫶🏾💪🏾❤️ Love Vera Williams and Family.
MaSharie Pirtle
My Dear Brother,you will truly be missed you helped with all my kids and me as well ,I appreciate you for being you , the life you lived ,will always be remembered, I will.miss you so much , but no suffering makes me happy you and Dad and Nick can all watch over us , you were always my inspiration my protector and my heart and although you gone in spirit , you will always be in my heart ❤️,always like all my love ones , you hurt us but get your rest you done a amazing job as well as Annie Pirtle Greer and Danny Pirtle Sr., you are Mom the best Mom ever you and my Dad taught us the real Brother you will be missed and we got our Mom and nieces for life.
Freddy Ramirez
I am sending my condolences to you all in this time and my love 💕. Danny is truly loved and will be missed.
Nina Pirtle
Sending my condolence to the family
Robin Lennard
Danny has been such a great inspiration to our family. He had so much Love and Joy for everyone. Always kind and patient. It is such a loss to lose such a great person and you will truly be missed. You have touched so many lives on your journey in life and have left a phenomenal impact on the lives of others. Rest in Peace! I will miss you! Love you ❤️
Elaine Ayinde
My prayers are with you and the family. Even though we have not met in person, Ruby Shaw spoke highly about you and you will be missed.
Mary Hall Jackson
Danny was always so nice and cool. He would be missed. Rest in Paradise Danny. Praying for his family and friends.
Charie Charese
Rest easy my big brother. I will truly miss you❤️
Golden Perkins
I am praying 🙏🏾 for the family. So sorry for this tremendous loss. My dear friend I will miss you so…
Yolanda (Landa/LaLa)
My dear cousin, Dr. Danny W. Pirtle, Jr., you sir will truly be missed. You were an extraordinary person. Eventhough you had so much more to do and give, you accomplished so much of your dreams and aspirations. You were blessed, respected, appreciated, admired and loved by so many. You touched on so many lives that your memory/legacy will continue to live on. Thank you for all you’ve done and tried to do for your family. Your efforts were honorable. I will forever regret not spending more time with you and your family but will always be thankful of the times we all did share. Thank you for bringing the SUNSHINE of your beautiful wife, children and grandchildren into our lives. Please know they are in our hearts and our family forever. Take your rest my cousin, your job on this earth is done and man, what an wonderful job you’ve done. God has called another angel to help watch over this family… Peace, blessings, comfort and so much love to the family…
Rafielle Freeman
My heartfelt condolences. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, comfort in the memories you shared, and peace in knowing how deeply he was loved and respected.
Alicia Gray
Dr. Pirtle was a force at Dallas County. His push for education and not staying complacent gave me the encouragement to finish my bachelor’s degree and pursue and earn my Master’s Degree. Dallas County will never ever forget his sense of style. Mrs. Pirtle, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I send my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Roshonda London
My heart is truly broken for my cousin and her children. 💔 There are no words that could ever fully express the sadness of losing such an incredible man far too soon. He was a smart, honorable, strong, and powerful man who carried himself with so much wisdom, love, and strength. His life meant so much to the people who had the blessing of knowing him, and his presence will be deeply missed.
My heart aches for you and the kids who now have to face life without him by their side. I pray that God wraps His arms around you all, gives you strength when you feel like you have none left, and comforts your hearts through every difficult moment. May his memory live on through his children, his family, and everyone whose life he touched.
He may have left this world too soon, but the impact he made and the love he gave will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, cuz. 🕊️❤️ Your legacy will live on forever.
Cedric Burns
The Feeling is still surreal almost 2weeks later. I still can’t believe you are gone. Your Legacy will live on through all of us that you affected. Although I did not always measure up to having the title of ” Best friend”, the memories that we shared and the bond that we created I will always treasure forever. Much love to the Family and Friends.
Wendell Clark
My deepest condolences to you and your family may God comfort you 🙏🏾❤️
Isabel Martinez
My sincere condolences to the family. I am sending prayers of peace and comfort to the family. Let time and God heal your hearts. In those quiet moments after all have passed, just remember the memories of life and laughter and allow God to warm your hearts with love. Be Blessed!
Sonya & Richard Lennard (Bryson)
Dear Lettie and family, you have our deepest condolences regarding the loss of Danny. We met him only a few years ago, but we immediately felt his warm spirit and could see how much he loved his family.
Let his memory be a blessing to you at this difficult time and in the future. You are in our prayers 🙏 .
Jay Cook
You were not just my friend, but my true brother! I love you, and my world will not be the same without you! Rest easy my brother
Natalie Boyd
To God from whom all blessings flow…I give thanks to God for the blessing of friendship with a true man of God. One who stood on truth, spoke truth and strived daily to live in his truth. He was a person who said what he meant & meant what he said…a man who gained not only the respect of many but the love of many more as well. I’m sure God is well pleased & for certain has a place for you in His Kingdom.
Lettie may God give peace & comfort to you, Dani & all the love ones left behind and smiles upon your faces as you bask in the sweet sweet memories
♥️🙏🏽♥️Natalie Boyd
Joy Gault
My deepest condolences. Dr. Pirtle was my first criminal justice professor at UTM. He was an excellent professor and mentor, and he truly helped me excel in my undergraduate and graduate courses. He made a significant impact on my college career and I am lucky to have learned from him.
Stephen Dixon
My sincere condolences to the family. Danny was one of the best. May his legacy live on.
Stephen Dixon
Alpha Phi Alpha
Sigma Beta Chapter, ETSU
Trevis Love
REST EASY frat! My condolences to the family and you will be missed frat.
Antonio Adams Sr.
Sending my sincere condolences and sympathies to the immediate and extended Pirtle family. Danny was well loved and respected. I count it a blessing to have Danny as a friend and fraternity brother.
Antonio Adams Sr
Alpha Phi Alpha
Sigma Beta- ETSU
Candance Montgomery
Sending my condolences to the entire family ❤️ 🙏🏿 ❤️
Lorraine Lennard
My heart goes out to you and the family. Danny was incredible. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you had together❤️🙏
Ramona Fleming
Sending my deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Serenity C
Thank you Dr. Pirtle for being a pillar of light and knowledge while being my advisor at UTM. I loved your tenacity and dedication for the students especially those assigned to your class for the CJ classes you’ve taught during the fall and spring semesters. Seeing the news of your death saddened me but seeing the confirmation hits harder than I thought. Thank you for being an influential advocate for me and my peers at UTM. You will be deeply missed ❤️
Kheli Ama
I know heaven is shining right now. They have one amazing man upstairs educating them making them laugh, making them smile being a dope, dad, father and friend and dressing his ass off, teaching them well Danny, may you rest in paradise Love Khel Khel Colby in Aja
CaNiya Pirtle
I love and miss you uncle Danny 💕🪽 I thank you for the fun things we did together the camping, the out of town trips , and the nice restaurants we went to I love you ❤️
Ishana Lennard
Lettie,
My dear niece-Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You and your children lost a fabulous husband, father and best friend. You are truly an excellent wife to have cared for Danny throughout these difficult times. Be comforted in knowing God is with you today and always and you can find refuge in the Father during your times of need. Psalm 91: 4
Blessings to you and the family,
Ishana, Jordan & Inmar