Johnny Baldwin Purcell Jr.

Johnny Baldwin Purcell, Jr., a longtime resident of Durham, North Carolina, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was 73 years old.

Born in Henderson, North Carolina, Johnny was the son of the late John Baldwin Purcell and Mable Fleming Purcell. He was preceded in death by five Aunts; Kate Purcell Isley, Ruby Purcell Dear, Annie Baldwin Purcell Stainback (wife of Forrest Stainback), Helen Purcell Keeton, and Beulah N. Purcell Tyndal.

Mr. Purcell is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Karen Hawkins Purcell; his two daughters, Sabrina Karen Purcell and Selena Anne Purcell; his sister, Helen Purcell Triplett; his nieces, Heather Tripplett Meitl and Kim Edwards; grand nephews, Jake Meitl and Nick Meitl; and his cousin, Jimmy Tyndal.

Johnny attended the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, where he met his loving wife Karen. He then proudly served the community for 37 years as an employee of the United States Postal Service. In his free time, Johnny found joy in fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his beloved family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Clements Funeral Chapel 1105 Broad Street Durham, NC 27705, officiated by Pastor Andrew Ivester. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:30 to 2:00pm. Burial will be at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery 7215 Walnut Grove Church Rd, Hurdle Mills, NC 27541 following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Liver Foundation, P.O. Box 299 West Orange, NJ 07052-5323 or The Gideons International P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.