Ottis Hale Purifoy

Ottis Hale Purifoy, 87, of North Little Rock, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Ottis was born November 23, 1937, in Clark County, Arkansas, to Dee and Euphy (Creech) Purifoy. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Fonda (Curl) Purifoy; two sons, Phillip of Maumelle, AR, and Timothy (Kimberly) of Cheyenne, WY; three granddaughters, Kylie of North Little Rock, Emily of Fort Collins, CO, and Haley of Laramie, WY; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dee and Euphy Purifoy; his brothers, Arvil, Millard, and R.E. “Buster”; his sister, Isabelle; and his cherished granddaughter, Hannah Louise.

Ottis served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959, stationed primarily aboard the U.S.S. Princeton. After his honorable discharge, he began his career with the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a 'gandy-dancer' (railroad track worker). He then became a skilled Machinist and Tool and Die Maker at the Jenks Shop in North Little Rock. He capped his 35-year career in 2000, retiring as an ISO9000 Quality Inspector.

Ottis was deeply devoted to his church family. He first served at 16th Street Baptist Church as Music Director and Deacon, and later at Graves Memorial Baptist, where he continued his roles in the choir and as a Deacon. His special ministry was singing with various groups over the years, providing music and spiritual uplift to long-term care facilities throughout the area.

Ottis married Fonda Lois Curl on February 3, 1961. They raised their family in North Little Rock. He was an active father, coaching his sons in baseball for several years. He also started the first Church softball league in North Little Rock. He loved to fish and camp with his family and extended family at Lake Greeson. His special joy was the company of his granddaughters.

Ottis was a master gardener, who had a passion for growing large watermelons. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a gardener of people too. He cultivated people by the way he lived his life as a devoted Christian, always keeping his commitments to his family and to his God. He truly made a profound difference in countless lives and will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Graves Memorial Baptist Church (4617 Oak Grove Road) with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.