Orlando Jerome Purnell Sr.

"OJ" – The Life of the Party, A Legend, and Our Teddy Bear
Orlando Jerome Purnell Sr., affectionately known as "OJ," was born on December 26, 1982, in Seaford, Delaware, to Valencia Purnell and George Chisum. A resident of Salisbury, Maryland, Orlando passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 31, 2025, at the age of 42.
OJ was educated in the Seaford School District. He had a deep passion for football and was a die-hard fan of the Philadelphia Eagles-just try to argue with him about his team! His love for pit bulls, cooking, and old-school music-especially the smooth sounds of Lenny Williams-defined so much of who he was. His favorite song, "Cause I Love You," echoed the love he carried for his family and friends.
A talented cook, OJ worked at Bob Evans in Salisbury and Dover, and later with Amazon as a delivery driver-though he probably chauffeured half the town around long before that. If you knew OJ, you knew he loved to cook, travel, play spades, and laugh-often all in the same day.
He truly was the life of the party. There was never a dull moment when OJ was around. He was well-known and well-loved, especially in his hometown of Seaford, DE-where the name "OJ" rang bells on the legendary 3rd North. Fiercely protective of his family, you couldn't say a word about his mother or sisters without him stepping in.
Orlando had a heart as big as his smile. He was a generous, warm, and loving man-known affectionately as the "big Teddy Bear." He especially cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, most of all with Forgiveness "Grayse." Above all, Orlando was a proud "Momma's Boy." As her firstborn and only son, he held a special place in his mother's heart, and he knew it too. One of his happiest moments was when he finally got the car he'd been asking for-grinning from ear to ear with pride and joy.
Orlando was preceded in death by his uncles Ernest "Buster" Elzey and Orlando "Binky" Pettyjohn; his aunt Sherronda Purnell; his stepfather Isaiah "Ikey" Ross; and the mother of his son, Takila Latham.
He leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Tobarshall "Seana" Purnell, and his children: daughters Aiyana Purnell, Or'Liyah Purnell, Nyasiajha Sampson, Ta'Laziah Purnell, and Forgiveness "Grayse" Purnell; and sons Shy'heem Purnell, Joel Parker, and Orlando Purnell Jr. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Zahmere Purnell, Ke'Ahnii Wilson, and Au'Riyah Cannon.
Orlando is survived by his mother Valencia "Peaches" Purnell of Greenwood, DE, and his father George Chisum (Patricia) of Harrington, DE; his maternal grandparents Ethel and William Purnell of Bridgeville, DE; and his paternal grandmother Lenora Elzey of Dover, DE.
He is also survived by his siblings: sisters Brandee and Chauntese Purnell of Greenwood, DE; and brothers Michael Hicks of Harrington, DE, George Hicks of Sliver Spings, MD, Terrell Hicks of Harrington, DE, and Robert Hicks (Kia) of Bowie, MD.
His memory will also be cherished by his aunts: Vonsheila Purnell (Michael) of Woodside, DE; Linda Farrow (Ira) of Dover, DE; and Yvonne Elzey (Jonathan) of Dover, DE; as well as his uncle William "Pumpkin" Purnell of Bridgeville, DE. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, including special cousin Andre Holbrook, and dear friends Hilbert "AJ" Smith and Shamekia Horsey. He was close with Emory Johnson of Colorado, who watched him grow from childhood into adulthood.
Orlando "OJ" Purnell Sr. leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He will be missed more than words can ever express-but he will never, ever be forgotten.
Rest easy, OJ. Fly high, Legend.