Elmer Lee Puryear

Elmer was born in Corinth, NC on August 20, 1920 to the late Rufus and Chloe Strickland Puryear. During the Depression, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later attended Campbell College and Western Carolina Teachers College. He graduated from Wake Forest College in 1943. Although he had never seen the ocean, he entered the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation and served in England during World War II as a Lieutenant JG. While in the Navy, he married his college sweetheart, Lois Bradley, enjoying 64 years of marriage devoted to each other.

After returning home from the War, Elmer obtained his Master’s Degree and PhD in History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He subsequently taught at Wake Forest College, the University of West Virginia, College of Charleston, Greensboro College where he served as Dean, and Campbell College. In 1969, the Board of Trustees of Campbell University recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus for his professional and civic contributions, including his generous support of the Campbell University library.

As a tough, but dedicated teacher he conveyed his love of American History and Constitutional Law to students over a span of three decades. Although he always preferred teaching over writing, he wrote two books: Democratic Party Dissension in North Carolina 1928-1936 and Graham A. Barden, Conservative Carolina Congressman. He also served on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which determines accreditation of colleges in the region. As a member of the North Carolina Historical Society, he provided input on the historical markers seen along highways throughout North Carolina.

During his lifetime he and Lois visited all fifty states. During summers of following frontier trails and exploring national parks, they shared with their children a love of travel, an appreciation of learning and an amazement at the splendors of the American West, especially the Grand Tetons which Elmer loved. He also taught his children that being “liberal” was simply having an open mind, the discipline to learn, the courage to think and the heart to help others less fortunate. We are thankful for his wisdom and guidance, and his family and friends are grateful for his generosity which he bestowed often.

He is survived by his son Paul Puryear and his wife, Chris, of Jamestown; his daughter, Leigh Vancil of Chapel Hill; his five grandchildren and their spouses, P.J. Puryear and Courtney Queen, Ben and Hannah Puryear, Kate Vancil, Kyra Vancil and Lauren Vancil; two great grandchildren, Noelani Puryear and Penelope Puryear; and his siblings Mollie Taylor and Durward Puryear.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lois Puryear, and his siblings, Forrest Puryear, Corinna Puryear, Douglas Puryear, Herman Puryear, Hazel Cerstvik and Otis Puryear.

A brief graveside service will be held at Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church Cemetery at 3:00 pm in Chalybeate Springs, NC on January 13, 2017 at 3:00 pm, with visitation immediately afterwards. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on January 14 at First Baptist Church at 1000 W. Friendly Ave. in Greensboro, NC, with visitation and a reception at the church immediately following.

The family would like to thank the staff of Congdon House at Pennybyrn at Maryfield for their kindness and loving care of Elmer during his last years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Elmer L. Puryear Government Scholarship at Campbell University, which is awarded to students majoring in Government who show academic ability and financial need (Campbell University, Advancement Office, P.O. Box 116, Buies Creek, NC 27506, Attn: The Elmer L. Puryear Government Scholarship).