Fredrick Walter Purdy

Frederick Walter Purdy, 93, went to be with the Lord September 21, 2015.
Funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Ricky Smith and Rev. Jim Russell. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.
Visitation was Tuesday from 4 to ­8 p.m. at The Christian Life Center.
He is survived by loving wife, Barbara Dunn Purdy; dedicated sons, Frederick (Derick) G. Purdy and Donald (Donnie) Hughes; and daughters, Pam Hazlewood and Kandie Evanchyk. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Brandon Robert Hughes and Lauren Inman Wright; nieces and nephews, Dr. John Paul Crow, Diane Crow Groat, Dona Crow Walker and Claudia Purdy Weaver; and sister-­in-­law, Amelia Purdy Majors. He is also survived by several great­-grandchildren, along with several great-nieces and nephews.
Mr. Purdy was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon B. and Virginia Frazier Purdy; brothers, Robert and Burt; and one sister, Betty Purdy (Crow). He was also preceded by son, Robert; and grandsons, Bo and Cody Brown.
He was born September 7, 1922, in Henderson, Tenn. His family moved to Fort Payne in the early 1930s, where Purdy & Sons Furniture Store was opened in 1935. During World War II, Mr. Purdy served his country in five major battles of the European theatre as a Corporal in the United States Signal Corp. He was the author of a widely read book entitled, "A Corporal's View of World War II". In his book he states, "My time in this war was a very significant part of my life." He spent countless hours sharing stories and events of World War II with students, civic organizations and those with the same hunger for history as he possessed. As with many of that generation, Corporal Purdy used the hard lessons of the Great Depression and the experience of war to shape his future endeavors to provide a better life for his family, friends and community. Corporal Purdy was awarded 5 Battle Stars, the Silver Star, the Arrowhead Emblem, Purple Heart and was gifted with a truly remarkable memory. He was indeed a "foot soldier" of the greatest generation. Over the years, he was known as a true scholar of history, especially of his beloved country, and was always ready and willing to share his knowledge and experiences with others.
Mr. Purdy also loved the study of genealogy. His interest and research of family history, particularly in his later life, took him to any place of origin with the name "Purdy." He and his wife, Barbara, enjoyed many trips to family reunions and landmarks while links could be found to family history.
After the war, Mr. Purdy and his brother Burt owned and operated the Purdy Furniture Store located in the southern corner of the landmark Opera block.
Around 1959, he decided to pursue his love for politics and especially his love for the community. He was elected Mayor in 1960 and served Fort Payne for five terms in office. At age 38, he was the youngest mayor of a city in the state of Alabama and was among only five mayors appointed on the advisory committee to President John F. Kennedy.
He loved politics and the interaction with the people during his time as a public servant. Even after his term ended, Mr. Purdy continued to mentor countless others as an inspiration in leadership and to encourage them to run for elective office. He remained active in his community and country throughout his life.
Fred Purdy was a member of First United Methodist Church for most of his life. He served on the Administrative Board, a longtime member of the Robert Purdy Men's Sunday School Class (named after his brother, who was killed in World War II).
Mr. Purdy will be remembered by many for his generosity, both financially and in service. He lived a remarkable 93 years of life enjoying his family and friends. His wife, Barbara, was the love of his life and they were happily married for 45 years.
Burt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
www.burtfuneralhomes.com