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Paul Purdy Obituary

Paul W. Purdy, Sr.

Jackson

Dr. Paul Wayne Purdy, Sr., 73, passed away on October 1, 2014 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation of Clinton.

The funeral service will be Monday, October 6, 2014, at 12 noon at Epiphany Lutheran Church, with burial in Garden Memorial Park. The Reverend Raymond W. Gage will officiate. Visitation will be today from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home Farish Street Chapel in Jackson and on Monday 11:00 a.m. until 12 noon at the church.

Paul, the eighth child of the late Jessie and Mollie B. Persley Purdy, was born on February 9, 1941 in Weona, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Nathaniel; and one sister, Betty.

At an early age, Paul was baptized at Tschudy Grove Baptist Church in Weona, and during his teenage years, he became a member of St. John Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Arkansas. As an adult, he was a member of St. Philip Lutheran Church, now Epiphany Lutheran Church, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Paul received his elementary and high school education in Weona and Marked Tree. He attended college at Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute in Prentiss, Mississippi. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Jackson State College, now Jackson State University. Paul continued his education by receiving a master of arts in teaching from Purdue University and a doctorate of education from the University of California-Los Angeles. He pursued additional educational studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and theological coursework at Concordia College in Selma, Alabama. He was also a participant in the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute at Jackson State University.

Paul was united in holy matrimony with Mitchell Pearl Allen of Jackson, Mississippi on December 23, 1962 at St. Philip. The late Reverend Brice Thompson officiated. This marriage was blessed with two children, Paul Jr., and Michelle.

Paul's professional career exemplified his commitment to education. He directed the Campus Union and was Vice President of Fiscal Affairs at Jackson State University, and he owned and operated Purdy Enterprises, which included statewide GED training programs, real estate, and insurance. Additionally, he taught at various public schools in Mississippi—Rosa Scott High School in Madison, Mississippi; Brinkley Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi; and J. J. McClain High School in Lexington, Mississippi. In his retirement, he served as a substitute teacher in the Jackson Public Schools.

Paul was affiliated with numerous social, civic, and religious organizations. He was active in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod at the local, district, and national levels, including serving as District Treasurer. Additionally, he served on the board of Wheat Ridge Ministries and was active with the Aid Association for Lutherans and Lutheran Brotherhood. He was a dedicated member of Epiphany, including serving as a lay reader, chair of Church Anniversary committees, and coordinator and volunteer for Vacation Bible School. He was a supporter of the Democratic Party; a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; a Connecting Link of the Jackson Chapter of the Links, Incorporated; and a parent volunteer with the Jackson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

He enjoyed traveling, sports, and reading. He also readily engaged in discussions related to religion, politics, and history. He was an avid supporter of his children, including their educational and extracurricular pursuits at JSU Early Childhood Center, McLeod Elementary School, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Morehouse College, Washington University in St. Louis, and Emory University.

Immediate survivors are his devoted and loving wife, Mitchell Pearl Allen Purdy of Jackson; son, Paul Wayne Purdy, Jr. of Jackson; daughter, Michelle Allen Purdy of Clayton, Missouri; brothers, Franklin D. Purdy (Mary) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Floyd J. Purdy (Annetta) of San Jose, California; and Jessie S. Purdy (Cheryl) of Manassas, Virginia; sisters, Mary D. Purdy Clark of Chicago, Illinois; Amanda Purdy Tarver (Willie) of Bristol, Tennessee; and Rosie M. Purdy Willis (Willie) of Luxora, Arkansas; and sister-in-law, Cecelia Ruthena Allen Dorsey of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, James and Pearl Allen; and his brother-in-law, James Allen, Jr. Dr. Purdy is also survived by a number of relatives including caring nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many wonderful, supportive church members and friends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Purdy

Not sure what to say?





Lynn Simpson -Williams

September 28, 2023

Never forgotten...may Dr. Purdy rest in peace eternally .

Carvin Newsome

August 12, 2018

I'll never forget this man, he helped me through the GED program in 1984. He also had programs setup to help us find jobs. That program changed my whole life. Am forever grateful for that. RIP #PaulPurdySr

Dorothy Bradford

December 5, 2014

So sad to hear of his passing. I really enjoyed working for him while at JSU. I will always remember him. My prayers are with with the family.

Jyotsna V

October 9, 2014

My thoughts are with you during this jumbled time of sadness that comes with loss and the joy in the shared celebration of a full, loving, life. May Dr. Purdy rest in peace.

October 7, 2014

My sincerest condolences and prayers in your time of sorrow

TYree A. S.

martha harris

October 7, 2014

praying for you and your family.

Eddie and Velma Jennings

October 6, 2014

You have our prayers! Wish we could have you in these dark days??!May God Bless You!

Karyn (Smith) Hollingsworth

October 6, 2014

Mrs. Purdy, Wayne, Michelle and Family,

I was so saddened to learn of Dr. Purdy's passing. Though he was a great administrator and teacher, I will remember him most as a man of great kindness, integrity and compassion. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and blessings,

Tubbs Family

October 6, 2014

Purdy Family, We would like to express our deepest sympathies to you. We were saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Purdy. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Charlotta Lynn Simpson-Williams

October 6, 2014

Our heartfelt condolences to the Purdy Family. Dr. Purdy was very helpful to me during my years at JSU. In addition, he was truly my admired by my late parents, Mr. & Mrs. Percy Simpson. Our prayers are with all of you!

Georgia Jefferson Parker

October 5, 2014

May God bless you

Hillman Frazier

October 5, 2014

Jean and I were sadden to hear about the passing of Dr. Purdy. He was a pillar of the community who made a difference in the lives of many people. Please know that the entire Purdy Family is in our thoughts and prayers. Hillman and Jean Frazier

Eric Purdy

October 5, 2014

He was my friend, mentor and uncle. I don't know where I would be had it not been for our long phone conversation where he shared his great wisdom and love. Rest in peace Uncle Paul and thank you for loving me.

October 5, 2014

I will always remember Paul Purdy as a great student and scholar, a leader, man religion of character and a cherished friend - Ivory Phillips

Marva Atwater

October 5, 2014

Jessie, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I know how much you loved your brother, but remember, God loved him best. You and your family members are in my prayers.

Edward & Jeanette Davis

October 5, 2014

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Purdy. We pray the love of God enfolds you and your family during this difficult time.

Arkeia Edwards

October 5, 2014

Former students of Dr, Purdy extends to his family our heart sympathy doing his homegoing celebration. The class of 2002 Jacob J. McClain High School (Lexington, MS,) was blessed to had Dr.Purdy as our instructor , he will be remembered as fun, but firm. We ask that God will continue to bless his family.

Arkeia Edwards

October 5, 2014

The J. J. McClain High School class of 2002 would like to send our prayers, love, and sympathy to the Purdy family. Dr. Purdy was a great teacher and we are very thankful for the wisdom, knowledge, and life lessons that he has taught us. May God continue to
bless you!

October 5, 2014

The Andrews Family sends love and peaceful wishes to you and your family at this time. Love - Michael and Dorinda Andrews

Helen Hadley

October 5, 2014

Michelle: Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Sounds like he was an incredible man. My condolences.

Kathryn Harris Brown

October 5, 2014

May the warmth of loving memories and the love of those around you bring you COMFORT and PEACE.

Sherrie Jackson

October 5, 2014

Purdy family we send our prayers for strength and peace in this time of need. We lift you up in Jesus Name.
Love, CURTIS and SHERRIÉ JACKSON.

De'Wanda (BankPlus)

October 5, 2014

My prayers and sympathy are with the family during your time of bereavement. God Bless!

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Dean Blackwell

October 5, 2014

Dr Purdy will be missed. He was always available to share his wise council with me.

Judy Meredith

October 5, 2014

My condolences and prayers for the Purdy's family at this time of their loss. Dr. Purdy's passing is deeply felt in the Meredith family. He was one of a very few that my husband James Meredith could call a true and lasting friend. May God continue to bless your family and grant you peace.

Debra Buchanan

October 4, 2014

My condolences to Mrs. Purdy and the family. It was good to see you recently, but I am saddened to hear of your husband's death.

Doletta Jenkins

October 4, 2014

Praying for the Purdy family. GOD will take care of you! The Jenkins, Chicago, Illinois.

Melvin,Laverne,Xavier Johnson

October 4, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends

October 4, 2014

CATHY Herron-Bankhead, Enid, Ms

Hilliard Lackey

October 4, 2014

I first met Paul Wayne Purdy, Sr. when I enrolled as a freshman at Jackson State in 1961. He was a redheaded imposing figure who was outgoing, friendly and commanded an air of leadership. He led a campus religious organization and was always at the forefront of student activities during that era of the Civil Rights Movement. In later years, we became colleagues at Jackson State and in more recent times maintained a friendly bond through our fraternity and mutual interest in JSU. He was a man's man and left a lasting impression on all with whom he interacted.

Timothy Willis

October 4, 2014

You will be missed Uncle Paul. Thanks for all you taught me.

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