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Halls High School

KEVIN PURDY Obituary

PURDY, KEVIN - age 60 of Knoxville TN, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his home. Born August 21, 1951 in Hartford, CT to parents Harold and Virginia Blaney Purdy, Kevin was raised in Enfield, CT and turned down a minor league baseball offer to join the Air Force Reserve where he served as a firefighter. He then worked for his father's insurance business until he received a job at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Maine. He lived there until he met the love of his life, Melissa Barry, and moved to Knoxville. They married in 1982 and had a long loving marriage until Melissa's death in 2002. He is survived by his two children, Jenna and Sean Purdy, as well as his sister, Kerry Fitzgerald, who resides in Haverhill, MA. In Knoxville, Kevin was known as a counselor and mentor to troubled teens. He worked for Halls High School in the early 1990s followed by The Truancy Center, Project NOVA, and KCDC. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 16, 2012, at Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church, 1620 North Central Street, Knoxville, TN. The family will receive friends from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. followed by the service. In lieu of flowers Kevin would have wanted a donation made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association in honor of his beloved wife. http://www.phassociation.org/Donate. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for KEVIN PURDY

16 Entries

Emma Huddleston

July 25, 2012

To the family of Kevin Purdy: I did not know Kevin personally,but send my love and prayers to Betty and the family as they grieve.. Biddy Leahy joins me in sending these thoughts.

Jeff, Lori, Kaleb and Karson Marsh

July 23, 2012

Lots of good memories of your dad and Melissa, back in the Boy Scout days at Brickey. Sean and Jenna, you are a living and loving testament to one of the many good things that your parents were a part of. You honor them both.

Roberta Farnum

July 19, 2012

Kevin was a kind, compassionate person who helped me during a challenging period of my life. I will be forever grateful to him. I'm sorry to have lost touch with him over the years but will cherish the special times I shared with him and Melissa. My deepest sympathy Jenna and Sean for your profound loss. May you be comforted by your parent's tremendous love for you and from those who knew and loved your Dad.

Debbie Foster

July 18, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.
I taught at Halls High during the years Kevin was running the SAP program. He was such a warm and caring person. He was respected by staff and students. He will be missed.

Michael Ash

July 17, 2012

Like Dan Foley I grew up in T'ville with Kevin. He was a good guy. I losy touch with him over the years, but never forgot him...for all the right reasons. Sorry to hear about his passing.

July 16, 2012

We are so sorry for the loss of you Dad. Prayers and thoughtsf for you and your family.

Lisa and Donnie Smith
Rory and Marly
Hidden Valley Subdivision

July 16, 2012

Jenna and Sean I'm so sorry about your father. He was a good neighbor and will be missed. May God give you comfort during this trying time.

Pat and Nick Gary neighbors next door

Shirley Mason

July 16, 2012

Jenna and Sean and grandchildren, I am praying for you all. Love and Prayers Shirley Mason

Leslie Duncan

July 16, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss! I adored your dad, and will always remember the support he provided me as a coach!

Butch, Sheree, Jeffrey, Clark & Annie Johnson

July 15, 2012

Sean & Jenna, we are out of town but want you to know that all the Johnsons are thinking of you. Your Dad was a special Dad! He absolutely LOVED watching the two of you play Webb baseball & softball! He made the games special for us! Love to you both!

July 15, 2012

my thoughts are with jenna and sean at this most difficult time in their lives. your dad was a very special kind, compassionate and patient man who endured a lot of heartache throughtout his life; but found such happiness with his children.

Brad Webster

July 15, 2012

We will always remember Kevin as a loving father.

Paul Warren

July 15, 2012

I will always remember Kevin for his kindness and wit. He certainly helped me during a unbelievably trying time in my life.

Dan and Donna Foley

July 15, 2012

Fond memories of growing up with Kevin in Thompsonville. Never forget the pick-up baseball and basketball games at the park and his great smile and laugh. You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Juanita Alexander

July 15, 2012

You will never be forgotten Kevin...not by your family, your friends, nor by the many troubled youth that you helped with such compassion. May you be at peace now and may the light be shining for you. I will cherish the memory of you always.

Mary Bartolini

July 15, 2012

Kevin and Melissa were very special people who loved and respected others. They gave love to people in need, and helped so many who needed it. Their love for one another was a rare gift. The twins have lost wonderful parents, ones who passed away too young. May your memories of Kevin and Melissa be happy, proud, and loving ones. May you find comfort in knowing they are together again and always will be.

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