Will miss you Dave! We worked together at camp wewa. I still have the outdoor benches you made on my pool deck.  God bless his family- Dave was a good friend to me.

Miss You Dave Purcell. One Of The Very Best Guys I Have Known. 😢

Just learned that David passed away...so sorry to learn this. He was a very good friend during my grad school days at Miami University...a terrific guy for sure.  He will be missed...without a doubt...count me among the many who really cared for this wonderful man.  Love you, Dave! :-)

So sad to discover Dave passed away.  Also learned he was hired back at Camp Cosby where I new him best.  Being back in Birmingham where I also return to live , brings back great Camp memories enjoy in our beloved YMCA with Dave.
Nancy  Ryszkiewicz (aka Fink)

Margie and Marlett,

Our hearts and thoughts are with you as you have a Celebration of Life-well lived and mission filled ceremony in honor of Dave today. We would enjoy seeing Camp Harrison because we know it is a place of life and ministry so dear to you, but traveling to N.C. was something we could not do at this time.

Even though Dave was only with us for a short time of 16 months, we find ourselves speaking of him often. We appreciated Dave's professionalism and relational attitude as our Executive Director. We knew that he gave prayerful thought to his work and decisions. We also know that you, Margie, were praying for Dave in his work and ministry, along with us as staff. Dave was very generous with sharing his time and resources to ministry of Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Margie as a wife, and Marlett as a daughter, for the sacrifices you have made over the years for Dave to serve our God in his daily work. We are confident that Dave has touched more hearts than you will ever know - even more than he realized. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to work with Dave and we cherish the memories of our short time together.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

Don and Sarah Snyder
Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp
Greensburg, Indiana

I was sorry to hear about David’s passing.  We lived across Rose Avenue from the Purcells.  One of my favorite memories of all times was of baby David.  He must have been very young before crawling age.  His mom was busy so she put him on a blanket in the front yard.  Babysitting him was their beautiful tan German Shepherd.  The dog was very very loyal to the family. I watched from across the street as David stuck his fingers in its mouth, eyes and ears and the dog patiently let him.  It was good with people but if a dog walked by, watch out!  Absolutely ferocious.   But so loving to little David.  I am sorry I never got to share it with him.

I met Dave spring of 1989, when I went to visit Margie at YMCA Camp Cosby, where Dave was Director.  He heard I was going to seminary that fall and might need a job until then, so he was kind enough to offer me one for the spring. It was a very transitional time in my life, but despite the awkwardness, Dave made my time there enjoyable. We had fun just shooting hoops in the outdoor gym, taking the motor boats out on the lake (almost crashing more than once) and a total blast doing Living History for the school groups that were at camp. Dave  wonderfully played the part of the bad guy Will,(pictured above)  a theoretical pioneer from 1850s Alabama, angry that someone  "took his land" and he was going to pay them back with a mock shooting that would occur in front of the highly entertained students at the campfire that night. Great memories! Rest in Peace Dave, aka Will

From the time I first talked with and met Dave here at Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp  I felt a kindred spirit . I miss those talks and time together. His love for Christ, children, his family, and camping are something to be sought after. The 16 or so months here made a tremendous difference in this camp. He was a man of vision, fresh ideas and love.  My prayers are with Margie and Marlett and the rest of the family. I wanted you to know he was loved and will be missed by all here at Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp.

Dave fast became a good friend and a great mentor when he arrived at Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp.  He not only had a huge heart full of love for campers, he had a head full of ideas for us to build and strengthen our camp for generations to come--so we were beyond blessed by the time God shared him with us.  I pray He comforts you closely, Margie and Marlet.

From: Tim Gilbert 
I am from Oxford.
I went to school with David. I was always close with him and he was a good friend of mine. I am thinking of the whole family. He was such a good person, I am so deeply sorry for everyone’s  loss. 

Dave was a close friend when we were growing up, we played on a number of teams together, and our families spent a lot of time together in Oxford. Very sorry to hear the news, and offering peace and comfort to Dave's family and friends.

I knew Dave from Westport Baptist Youth Camp-Indiana. He was an amazing man who I grew to appreciate and love. He always had a servants heart and it showed with the way he would love others!  Dave personally encouraged me on many many occasions.  He will truly be missed!  

Many memories made at the Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp. He found the good in everyone. He was an awesome director. His smile will be missed. Soar High.
Fawnda
M.A. at the Southeastern Baptist Youth Camp 

     I knew Dave from Camp Campbell Gard.  I was a camper that went each summer, all summer, until I was in college.  Dave mentored me in the Ragger Program.  He tied all of my rags.  
     I was an obnoxious kid at times.  I learned that about myself.  It was Dave who taught me at 12, how to stop…and to analyze myself.  I was to ask myself why I am doing what I’m doing?  What do I need to do to fix the problem?  What can I learn from it in order to grow and mature.  I am now 52.  I carry to this day the lessons that Dave taught me, in order to earn those rags, and mature as a person.  He taught me that we learn every single day, and can help others with the knowledge we glean.   I teach my children these lessons, and hope to teach my grandchildren someday.
      Dave was a counselor, a director, and a mentor to me.  He was a huge part of my childhood.  He will be greatly missed.  

Regina Combs-Waters

Camp Season 2019-Dave's official last camp season at Camp Harrison. It was a sad day then and here we stand today at a loss for words, yet Heaven rejoices. Dave touched countless hearts and lives throughout all of his (and Margie's) servanthood years on this earth. Margie and Marlett: May the Lord surround you with His comfort and peace that only He can give. May the thought of knowing your friends and family love you and will be praying for your strength as you carry on. Much love!-Tracey 

I went to Camp Harrison for 6 years and Dave always made camp so fun and made sure every camper had a great time❤️

I’ll never forget dropping of my daughter at Camp Harrison for her first time. My heart was torn. Papa Dave pulled her aside, got down on one knee and told her, “if you need anything, you ask for Papa Dave. I’m your momma’s friend.” That meant the world to me and I knew Amelia would be safe.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

David Kelly Purcell

25 février 1963 – 11 février 2023

Rockco Funeral Home

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