John William (Jack) Purvis Sr.

      John William (Jack) Purvis Sr. was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

      John was born on September 29, 1933 at home on Renee Street in Corinth, Mississippi. He was the son of Robert Craig and Mamie Leita Purvis. John grew up in Corinth, Mississippi.

      John was raised with six siblings. He had two older brothers, Bobby and Jimmy; three older sisters, Mildred, Janice, and Clara Alice; and one younger brother, Tommy. John was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, John had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked working with wood to build different things. He loved to draw. John's memorable achievements included making high A's in his drawings. However, to John, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, John had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Ms. Spain.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, John enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Osrow Berry, Gilbert Tyson, and many more. Later in life, he became friends with many different people.

      On January 9, 1955 John exchanged wedding vows with Glenda Sue Rogers at West Corinth Church of Christ of Corinth, Mississippi. Empathic and loyal, John was committed to making his new family happy.

      John worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. John was blessed with three children, one son, Johnny; and two daughters, Jackie and Missy. Another blessing for John was the gift of seven grandchildren, Michael, Tawana, Courtney, Jamie, Emily, Ethan, and Cole; and seven great grandchildren, Carlie, Wyatt, Hunter, Weston, Jaci, Jake, and Landon.

      Fortunately, John enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, John worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was sign building. He was employed for 37 years by Outdoor Communications, Inc. John always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were wood working, spending time with family and friends. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      John found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included bowling. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were football, baseball, and basketball.

      John’s faith was important to him. He was a member of West Corinth Church of Christ.

      John enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included family trips to Florida and the Great Smoky Mountains.

      When John’s retirement finally arrived in 2005 when his health made him, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. John was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      John passed away on February 13, 2011 at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi. John had Alzhimers and Congestive Heart Failure. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue Purvis of Corinth; one son, Johnny Purvis (Cindy) of Corinth; two daughters, Jackie Crum (Rickey) and Missy Wilbanks (James) of Walnut; two brothers, Jimmy Purvis (Marie) and Bobby Purvis both of Corinth; one sister, Mildred Woods of Corinth; one brother in law, H. S. Mills of Memphis; one sister in law, Ramona Purvis of Glen; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Services were held at McPeters Funeral Home Chapel. John was laid to rest in Henry Cemetery in Corinth, Mississippi.

      Simply stated, John was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember John William (Jack) Purvis Sr.

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John W. “Jack” Purvis, Sr., 77, died Saturday, February 13, 2011 at Magnolia Regional Health Center. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was employed with ITT for 10 years and retired from OCI after 37 years of dedicated service. He attended Pinecrest Baptist Church

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at McPeters Inc. Funeral Directors Chapel with Bro. Jeff Haney officiating. Burial will be in Henry Cemetery. Visitation will Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sue Purvis of Corinth; one son, Johnny Purvis (Cindy) of Corinth; two daughters, Jackie Crum (Rickey) and Missy Wilbanks (James) of Walnut; two brothers, Jimmy Purvis (Marie) and Bobby Purvis both of Corinth; one sister, Mildred Woods of Corinth; one brother in law, H.S. Mills of Memphis; one sister in law, Ramona Purvis of Glen; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Craig Purvis, Sr; his mother, Mamie Leita Butler Purvis; one brother, Tommy Purvis; and two sisters, Janice Mills and Clara Alice Purvis.

Pallbearers will be Michael Crum, Shane Bayless, Corey Glidewell, Rodney Hardin, Jackie Farris, Rusty Purvis, and Gary Wren.