Walter Purnell Jr.

Walter Purnell, Jr. of Seaside, CA, known by many as “Purnell” passed away Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Monterey Community Hospital at 86 years old. He was born on July 16, 1928 in Sweatman, Mississippi, where he graduated from Springhill High School. “Purnell” relocated to Seaside, CA in 1950 where he proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years, retiring honorably as a Sergeant First Class in 1975. During his time in the military, he proudly fought in the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict. Following military retirement, he was employed by the California State Correction System where he served as a Food Supervisor at Soledad State Prison, mentoring and counseling countless inmates for 23 years until finally retiring in 1998.

A unique soul, “Purnell” was very funny, and enjoyed telling stories, talking sports, and speaking to distant family members and friends on a daily basis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Ressie Robinson Purnell of Seaside, CA; children, Vilean Purnell Clardy, Donald Purnell, Walter Purnell, III, “Jr”, Johnnie Purnell; the families beloved Christopher Lewis, eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His youngest son, Bruce Purnell, predeceases him. A viewing, open to the public, will be Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 4:00 until 8:00pm at Bayside Community Mortuary, located at 1610 Noche Buena St. in Seaside, CA. The funeral service will be Friday, October 31, 2014 at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church,1440 Broadway St, Seaside, CA. Burial with military honors will follow at Mission Memorial Park, Seaside.