Retiring Spring Hill Superintendent Dies

By Dale Gathright, Jr., 06/20/20 9:29 AM

 

The retiring Spring Hill School District superintendent, J. Carroll Purtle, age 67, of Jerusalem, Arkansas, passed away Friday, June 19. “He took pride in having worked in rural schools for over 40 years and loved many students as his own. God blessed him with children of his own late in life and they became his world,” according to his obituary from Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Bobo Purtle; daughters, Kitesy Purtle and Anna Purtle, both of Jerusalem; son, Caleb Purtle of Jerusalem; and two sisters, Margaret Hall of Texas and Marilyn Kelley of East End, Arkansas. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by three children, Rebekah Ann Purtle, Elizabeth Mary Purtle, and Joel David Purtle; niece, Jessica Kelley; and two nephews, Nathan Stiles and Jerry Briscoe.

Incoming Spring Hill superintendent Tom Wilson, in a recent letter to district patrons said, ” I have known Mr. Purtle for many years, and served with him previously on an Educational Cooperative Board. He is truly a wonderful person and has served this district for many years in different capacities.”

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Harris Funeral Home Chapel in Morrilton with Bro. Tom Mitchell officiating. Graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, at Holly Springs Cemetery in Spring Hill, Arkansas with Bro. Eric Fisher officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, at the Harris Funeral Home.