Craig Andrew Pirkle

Craig Andrew Pirkle, age 69, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on the night of Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  Born in Royal Oak, Michigan on January 31, 1949, he was the son of the late William and June Bess Pirkle. 

A veteran of the United States Army, Craig proudly volunteered at the McDowell County Senior Center in Marion, at one time he assisted in delivering meals to the elderly.  He enjoyed going to the Corpening Memorial YMCA and often would walk, and when he was able, Craig loved to go hiking. 

He is survived by one brother, Steve Pirkle of Cedar Park, Texas; one sister, Bonnie Griffin of Monroe, Georgia; five nephews and one niece; special friends, Wesley and Doris Strong of Marion, and Jessica Lowery of Marion. Steve is also survived by many other friends that he met through the years at the McDowell County Senior Center.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory in Marion. A celebration of Craig's life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with Rev. Jimmy Upton officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Craig’s memory are asked to consider, McDowell County Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.