GEORGE RONALD PIRTLE

George Ronald Pirtle, known to his friends and family as "Ron," passed away unexpectedly and too soon, peacefully in his sleep at his Atwater home on July 10, 2023. Ron is survived by his wife, Toni; his children, Amy, Andrew, Paige, and Jack; his grandchildren, Kaelyn, Merrick, Jeremiah, Zella; and his fur babies, Max, Buddy, Nacho, Googa, Mango, Pumpkin, Peaches, Buttons, and Trixie. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Wayne Pirtle and Rosemary Pirtle.

Ron had a great love for his community and was a kind, honorable, and caring man.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from CSU Stanislaus.  In his early career, Ron served as a Park Ranger, a Manager at Merced Theater, and a Stockbroker.  Ron had a long and distinguished career in public service, including serving as a Police Officer and Detective at Merced Police Department for 15 years, and then as Chief of Police at Merced College for 5 years.

Following his retirement from law enforcement, Ron continued to devote his life to public service. He became a California Licensed Private Investigator and worked passionately for the Merced County Public Defender’s Office, while also serving as the President of the Atwater Friends of the Library, Merced County Library Commissioner, Member of the Merced County Grand Jury, and a Commissioner of the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District. Ron served wholeheartedly in all of these roles until his death. 

Ron was a cowboy at heart, and in his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their ranch in Mariposa. He took regular delight in talking and catching up with his many friends, including Tony, Andy and Pete.  Ron enjoyed several years teaching at Merced College as a Part-Time Professor of Criminal Justice, Traffic School, and Citizenship, and was proud to serve on the Merced College Bond Oversight Committee. He also served the City of Atwater on the Measure H Committee. Ron's dedication to public service was evident in his work, and he made a positive impact on the lives of many.

Ron had an inquisitive mind.  He was an avid reader and had a deep affection for Merced County community history.  For many years, Ron volunteered as a docent at the Merced County Courthouse Museum.  He had a strong interest in the paranormal, was an ordained minister and used his skills and knowledge in those arenas to volunteer with Merced County Paranormal.  He was also an amateur radio enthusiast, an avid collector, and member of the Freemasons and Elks organizations.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He will be remembered for his kind heart, love for others, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. Ron's legacy will live on through the many lives he touched during his lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Merced County Courthouse Museum on Saturday, October 28th, between 11am and 1pm to honor Ron's life.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Merced County Animal Shelter in Ron's memory.

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