Lester D. Purkey Sr.

Lester D. Purkey, Sr. 76, a loving Christian husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather went home to be with Jesus for Christmas, Sunday, December 4, 2011 in a Fort Smith, Arkansas hospital.
He was born March 6, 1935 in Celeste, Texas to Lester and Ethel (Johnson) Purkey. He married the love of his life, Dorotha "Raye" Gipson Purkey of Greenwood, Arkansas on July 8, 1957 at Robert Carr Chapel, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where they were members of the North Fort Worth Baptist Church.
Lester is preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Wayne P. and Doris (Owens) Purkey and their daughter, Betty Purkey; a sister and brother-in-law, Jimmie and Billy Don Owens, Sr; and beloved first born son, Professional Bowler, Lester D. Purkey, Jr.
He is survived by his "One Life, One Love" wife, "Raye" Purkey; a daughter and son-in-law, Rae Lynn and Jimmy Lewis of Cross Roads, Texas, a son and daughter-in-law, Michael L. D. Purkey and Regina Purkey of Greenwood; four grandchildren, Nicole McGowan, Michal Collins, Bryan Purkey with the U. S. Air Force, and Craig Ware; and five great grandchildren, Everett Collins, Aaron McGowan, Lillie McGowan, Maigan Purkey, and Braxton Purkey.
Mr. Purkey was educated in the Celeste, Texas public schools, graduating from Paschal High School and from Texas Christian University. He worked for twenty-nine years for International Service Corporation and Government Employees Corporation companies until retirement in 1999. His life was devoted to his family, church, and youth. He taught four year olds at church for many years and was president of the North Fort Worth Baptist Church Bowling League. He was honored as a Man of the Year, and was awarded many honors for loyal and devoted leadership to youth by the community, state, and internationally. He was an Optimist International President's Ambassador receiving many Distinguished Secretary-Treasurer citations. He was also a Past Lieutenant Governor and Governor (1994-1995) of the North Texas District, North East Optimist Club President and Sports President. He was honored by the Pony Baseball and Pony Texas State Softball leagues and NEO baseball coach and manager for many teams. He volunteered with the Halton City Football league and with hundreds of youth for many years. Lester was a Texas life and national life member of the Parent Teacher Association.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the McConnell Funeral Home Chapel, Greenwood, Arkansas with interment at Dawson Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Viewing will be from 1:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, December 9, 2011 at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Carter, James Carter, Gary Gipson, James Ray Gipson, Bill Gipson, and Cleave Gipson. Honorary pallbearers are Michal Collins, Craig Ware, Bryan Purkey, Derek Gipson, Nicole McGowan, Terri Gipson, Butch Youngblood, and Jimmy.
He is loved and will be missed by many friends and family members.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or the Heifer Project International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.