Rodney Pirtle

Rodney's beginnings were in Coleman, Texas, where he was an all-state basketball player and honor graduate. He played basketball at  Texas A&M University and holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (BJ), Stephen F. Austin (MS), New York University (Ph.D.), and Perkins School of Theology at SMU (Master of Theological Studies).

He retired in June 1990 after 18 years as an administrator with the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD). In 2006 Rodney was honored by HPISD with its Distinguished Service Award for his service as an administrator in that school system for almost 20 years. He and his wife of 52 years, Beth Weems Pirtle, have three grown children—Rod, Dotti and Jim—and five grandchildren.

Music has always been an important part of Rodney’s life, not only as a hobby but, since 1980, as a professional. He sings with big bands and musical combos in and around Dallas.  He sang with the Singing Cadets and the Aggieland Orchestra while at Texas A&M in the 1950’s and was a member of the 1975 International Champion Vocal Majority.  He has performed as vocalist with the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.  He and Beth often make concert and after-dinner appearances as a duo. They are in their 15th year as performers in Young Audiences, a national organization which takes the arts into public schools. They have been singing the National Anthem at Texas Rangers baseball games since 1991.