Mr. Ira Purvis

Ira Vondes Purvis, 86, of Savannah, died Friday, February 22. Believing “there is no place like home”, he was grateful for the care from his wife, family, friends at Coastal Home Care, a new friend - Dorothy Mack, Savannah Hospice Home Care, and Hospice House.

He was born to the late Ivey and Elma Purvis, November 29, 1926, in Mendes, Georgia. On July 18, 1949, he married his childhood friend, Medra Blocker. They continued to share their candy for the next 63 years.

Feeling a sense of duty, he served his country, first in the Merchant Marines and then in the US Army.

If Vondes could have chosen any career, he might have chosen the field of medicine; family responsibly dictated a different path. He completed his high school education while working at Union Camp. Although he did not pursue a medical degree, he earned the title “Doc” from his friends at Union Camp because of a knack for diagnosing problems. Vondes retired from Union Camp in 1991 after 42 years of service as a boiler water tester in the Mill Technical Department.

Vondes is survived by his wife, Medra Blocker Purvis, their two children, Bruce Purvis (Betsy) of Canton GA, and Nancy Purvis Swearengen (Willie) of Kennesaw, GA. A father’s love is only trumped by a grandfather’s love. Vondes was “Papa” to Leigh and Ben Purvis and “Granddaddy” to Andrew and Allison Swearengen. Vondes is also survived by his brother, Clarence Purvis (Carolyn) of Glennville, GA, and his sister, Audrey Purvis Deloach (Paul) of Monroe, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Alifair, and brothers, Johnnie, Delmos, and Preston. He was also Uncle Vondes to many nieces and nephews.

Vondes welcomed the simple life…home, a day’s work, an honest wage, a Ford in the driveway, a walk outside, black coffee, a full cookie jar, a fried drumstick, and Braves baseball. He was a faithful provider for his wife and family, and a friend to anyone who needed a friend. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church 2020 Tennessee Ave. Savannah, GA 31404.

Visitation: Sunday, February 24, 2013, from 4 – 6 PM at the Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel and Monday, February 25th from 10 – 11 AM prior to the service.

Funeral Service: Monday, February 25, 2013, at 11:00 AM in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel.

Interment: Monday at 3:00 PM at the Harmony Church Cemetery, Glenville, GA.

Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel

Savannah, GA

912-927-1999