Donald Rex Purcell, 86, of Watkinsville, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Born February 3, 1940, in Hall County, Georgia, Donald grew up in Cornelia, carrying forward a steady sense of purpose and a deep respect for the small-town values that shaped him early in life.
From a young age, Donald invested himself in learning, discipline, and service. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an accomplishment he considered among his greatest. He graduated from South Habersham High School and continued his education at North Georgia College, where he served in the ROTC, later transferring to the University of Georgia, continuing his ROTC service, and graduating with a BBA.
After graduating from UGA and marrying his sweetheart Linda in 1962, Donald accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served honorably from 1962 to 1965, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his military service, he moved to Athens and began a long and dedicated career with Westinghouse, where he worked until retiring in 1991.
Family and faith remained central throughout Donald’s life. With both grandfathers having been Baptist ministers, he carried forward the qualities they instilled in him—convictions that helped guide his choices and the way he lived. He attended Prospect Family Church in Toccoa for over 60 years, teaching Sunday school for most of that time.
Donald also embraced life beyond work with genuine enthusiasm. He and his wife loved to travel and visited many places across the globe, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Turkey, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Bermuda, and China, with Great Britian holding a special place as his favorite destination. A devoted UGA Football fan, Donald was a season ticket holder for many years. He also supported Atlanta sports teams, especially the Braves. He took real pleasure in unique flea market finds and never underestimated the simple comfort of a good “Country Cooking” buffet.
Donald is survived by his wife of 64 years Linda Boling Purcell; his son, Joe Purcell (Lori Lord); his chosen grandson, Jake Halley (Katherine); his niece, Amy Pardue (Jimmy); his nephew, Mark Boling; and sister-in-law, Brenda Boling. Donald also leaves several great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and other family members to cherish his memory.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Walter Dennis Purcell; his mother, Bronez Pless Purcell; his sister, Madge (John) Frye; his niece, Amanda Frye; and his nephew, Brent Boling.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, Georgia 30606.
The funeral service will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., in Prospect Family Church with Pastor Charles Reese officiating. Donald will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Mark Boling, Mike Ragsdale, Hector Diaz, and Jake Halley. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Miller, Larry Miller, and Jerry Pless.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, GA 30604, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thecancerfoundation, or to a charity of donor's choice.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
