John B. Purdy

John B. Purdy, 85, of Salem, Va., joined his Heavenly family on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. John was born in Roanoke, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1941, and studied at Virginia Southern College. He served in the United States Navy Seabees in Europe during World War II. John was retired from Shepherd's Auto Supply, where he was Executive Vice President. He served as an officer in the Presbyterian Church, and in later years, became a member of Cave Spring Baptist Church. John was active in the community during his working years and beyond as President of the Sertoma Club, President and Board Member of the Roanoke Association of Credit Management, sponsor of the Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers, and a volunteer with the Mended Hearts Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezekiel and Margie Purdy. John is survived by his wife, Emilie, to whom he was married for 58 years; a daughter, Cathy Nash and her husband, Ralph; a son, John W. Purdy and his wife, Kathy; two grandchildren, Sam Nash and wife, Brienne, and Sarah Blunt and husband, Justin; two greatgrandchildren, Kylan and Emilie; one sister, Rachel Meadows and family; and dear friends, Yoshi and Yoriko Fukui. Services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2008, at Oakey's South Chapel. The Rev. Jim Reeves will officiate. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cave Spring Baptist Church for Missions Work. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Cave Spring Baptist Church, and caretakers of Summerville at Ridgewood Gardens. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.