Marines Memorial: Remembering the life, death and legacy of Vernon Purcell Sr.
Vernon Thomas Purcell, Sr., 87, of Atlanta, Georgia, died peacefully on May 23, 2013. Born on May 15, 1926, Vernon was the son of the late Benjamin Harrison and Hattie Oliver Purcell. Vernon grew up in Clarkesville, Georgia until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 16. Vernon served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, where he was stationed in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Independence. After returning home, Vernon attended the University of Georgia and...