Billy Ray Purvis

Billy Ray Purvis, age 90 of Eminence passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was the owner and operator of Purvis' Tavern in Eminence for several decades, where he made the best pizza in town and served beer and lively conversation to generations of Henry Countians. Bill was a 1954 graduate of Eminence High School where he played all the sports and got into as much mischief as possible. He continued playing baseball while at Georgetown College and in the Army. While attending EKU, Billy Ray met Daina Martin, who although out of his league, agreed to marry him anyway. Daina worked hard for 61 years to keep Billy on the straight and narrow. Bill was a doting, if not entirely trustworthy uncle, who loved to play tricks on his unsuspecting nieces (snow fleas) but was always there when they needed him. He was a devoted fan of both the Kentucky Wildcats and the housecats that he and Daina owned through the years, foremost among them, Lucky, Bill's soul cat. Billy Ray could often be found mowing and doing yard work under the watchful supervision of his wife and cruising around town looking for people to chew the fat with.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie McCarthy Adams; step-father, Raymond Adams; father, John Purvis; brother, Jack Purvis; and brother Johnny Purvis.

He is survived by his wife, Daina Martin Purvis; his nieces, Leslie and Brandie Purvis; and a lifetime of friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Prewitt Eminence Funeral Home with Rev. Clint Walker officiating.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon Saturday until service time at Prewitt Eminence Funeral Home.

Form of contributions may be given to the Henry Trimble Animal Shelter, 9213 Sulphur Road, Sulphur, KY 40070.