Ralph Linwood Purcell

Ralph Linwood "Butch" Purcell

August 23, 1941 - July 9, 2025

Ralph Linwood Purcell, lovingly known as "Butch," passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 83.

Born on August 23, 1941, Ralph grew up in Maryland and graduated from Sherwood High School, where he served as Class President and was a standout in both football and baseball.

He dedicated 35 years of his life to public service as a Department Manager with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), improving lives through his leadership and compassion.

A true outdoorsman, Ralph loved hunting, fishing, and teaching local youth how to fish through community clubs. He was known for rising before dawn to be out in nature, and his adventurous spirit was unmatched. One of his favorite stories-retold with a grin-was the time a bear climbed toward his deer stand, and he scared it off with nothing but a slingshot and a marble.

Ralph's strength, humor, and deep devotion to family left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Jodie Matthews and Tracy Purcell; His Son, Earl (Peter) Purcell; his son-in-law, Timothy Matthews; his grandchildren, Heather Morissette, Tyler Purcell, Lakota Purcell, and Nicole Dorsch; and his great-granddaughter, Emma Barrera; and his sister, Linda Cusimano. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Instead of a service, his family will be taking him on one last fishing trip to the Outer Banks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.