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Aaron PURDIE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Aaron PURDIE
Charlie Lumpkin
January 28, 2025
Aaron was the best drummer that I have ever seen. He came to Philadelphia often and played at the Latin casino with Al Green. We always had a great time when he came.
Roland Jones
July 8, 2020
The Best Friend a person could ever have. I miss him.
Christina Muntz Gore
July 27, 2012
What a great man! What a fantastic teacher and musician! I loved how energetic Mr. Purdie was no matter what the circumstance, no matter how off the hook the kids at a particular school were on a given day! Personable, kind, funny, and honest, these are qualities that made him so easy to be around! Thank Mr. Purdie, you will most definitely be missed!
Earl Brownlee, BBI
July 23, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ken Khaki Graham
July 19, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Natalie Warner
July 18, 2012
I have been sitting and praying on what to say about Mr. Purdie as I am still in awe of his passing. He was a father to so many; he always had wisdom to share and a joke to keep you smiling lol! You will be GREATLY missed for your congenial heart, loving spirit, and your WONDERFUL musical talents that God definitely anointed you with!! Thank you for always letting us know about the BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth! We love you, Natalie, Kyle and Jalen
Leroy Barnes
July 18, 2012
Dear Purdie family,
I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies to the Purdie family. My wife and I, was very sad to hear about Aaron Curtis Purdie passing. We have the greatest respect for the Purdie family. As you grieve, know that we are remembering your family and honoring Aaron's memory. Even though we are miles apart right now, please know that we are praying for your family. We know that your family has the strength in them to move on.
Sometimes it's hard to understand,
Why certain things must be.
But there's a reason for everything,
Beyond our power to see.
And we find comfort in our hearts,
To know the ones we love will find.
Eternal happiness and lasting peace,
In our great heaven.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy
Leroy and Bobbie Jean Barnes & family
Randy Howell
July 16, 2012
I was a classmate of Aaron at S.C. STATE University 1966-1970. I considered him a friend and I remember his warm smile and wonderful personality. He was a fantastic drummer. He would give you the shirt off his back. You will be missed by all who had the good fortune of being blessed by your presence in their life. God bless you and your family. Good bye old friend
Nina (Shawn) Lewis
July 16, 2012
Uncle Aaron...you will be missed. You were my favorite uncle of all times...No one will ever replace you. I know you are in Heaven playing the drums for James Brown. And I know Granny is cooking those homemade cakes and pies for you. Tell everyone I said hello. Miss and love you so very much.
Ron Schulz
July 15, 2012
Enjoy an impromptu performance of Mr. Purdie at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORndeHeqGn0&feature=plcp
M Yvonne Jordan
July 14, 2012
Francois
We will miss Purdie. You know what a sweet, gentle. loving and Christian man he was. I will really miss him and I know you will be strong for him. You are in my prayers.
Yvonne
Denise Chandler
July 13, 2012
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Purdie this schoolyear while he served as a substitute teacher. He shared the history about his life as a musician and shared his testimony about the goodness of the Lord. My condolences to the family and to Francois, his beautiful wife.
Terry Fench
July 13, 2012
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love,they continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.Deacon Purdie is a very funny man I recall several times at service where his jokes would tickle me to tears,especially the one's about Aaron Jr.My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.
Michelle Hatch
July 13, 2012
So shocked and saddened to hear about this...
Mr. Purdie was my substitute teacher at Sherman until the very end of the year. He had a very difficult class to manage, but he did it with enthusiasm and megawatts of patience. I was recovering from surgery, and he helped me pack up my classroom. I was amazed at how he went out of his way to help me and without hesitation. God bless him. Truly an inspiration for all who knew him, including the children of TPS. So, perhaps that clap of thunder will be him banging away on those drums! Fun thought.
Marla Heil
July 13, 2012
Francios and Family, I am SO sorry for your (our) loss. Words cannot express the shock and sadness of hearing about one of my best friend's passing. I met Aaronprobably 20 years ago. He Always brought happiness into my life. He was the most kind, loving, understanding, "healing", funny, honest, and happy man I know. He will forever be a huge part of me and my daughter, Chelsea's life. She had the honor of "re-meeting" him again at Byrnedale choir, in which she came home so excited to tell me who her substitute choir teacher was, and how GREAT, TALENTED, FUNNY, and FUN he was...and especially learning that he knew who she was her entire life. They created a cute bond, he came to a couple of her choir concerts, beaming with pride. We will forever love and miss you, Aaron. Rest in Peace my friend.
George and Kathy Estep
July 13, 2012
Aaron and Family,
Words can't heal the pain from a loved one passing. Just to know that he is with the good Lord is in itself peace.
May the Good Lord Bless You during this most difficult time.
Aaron was a good friend to George and they had many of laugh's together.
Aaron and George are engoing each other again!!!
Laura Garcia
July 12, 2012
"Mr. Purdie was no ordinary person! He made a lasting impact on everybody that he met. The students and staff at Navarre Elementary always enjoyed having him there. May God comfort his family knowing he is still smiling, laughing and making music with the Lord now." Laura Garcia
Natashia Aiken
July 12, 2012
Brother Purdie, I never got a chance to meet you, but became a part of the legacy you started many years ago at SC State, Bongo Brothers Inc. Having marched and met many brothers and sisters in BBI, I quickly realized that it was truly a way of life and not just letters. Thanks for your intellect and forethought to start something that has been such a profound part of many of our lives. Rest easy, brother. I Bongo salute you. To the Ace Bongo in the sky.
FALL 1997
My condolences to the family of Brother Purdie, I pray that God watches over each and every one of you during this time and continues to cover you all in the future.
Brother Mike
July 12, 2012
Everytime I saw Deacon Purdie, he made me smile and laugh. And when he said the prayer on Sunday morning, we all felt the closeness to the Lord that he inspired, I love him and will miss him.
Marcus Gray
July 12, 2012
To His Family our deepest sympathies,I was shocked and saddened to hear of Aarons passing.I would watch him play in the 80s.And would run into at Churchills Super market and we would talk and brag about our children...and what good muscians they are..He was a wonderful man..and will surley be missed...our thoughts and prayers are with the family...
July 12, 2012
Mr. "P" will always be in the hearts and thoughts of the teaching staff and students at Spring Elementary School. Whenever he walked into the building it was as though GOD turned a bright shinning light to get us through the day. We will miss him greatly.
Todd Beavers
July 12, 2012
To his family, my condolences for your loss. He was a great man. Enjoyed working with him at Glenwood. He had an infectious spirit that the students couldn't help but pick up on and enjoy. Loved hearing his stories about his days with James Brown and Al Green.
Singers Tommy Gearhart, Ramona Collins and Aaron @ Manhattan's Restaurant about two years ago.
Ramona Collins
July 12, 2012
Aaron was my buddy. He, Mike Lorenz and worked together at Rusty's, in Put-in-Bay and Mon Ami over the years, and people were always amazed by his talent as a drummer. Francois, it was always so great to see you two together because it was clear you were meant to be. Whenever I hear "Caravan", I will remember how he captivated everyone with his showmanship on that tune. God blessed him with a beautiful and engaging grin, talent, you and the rest of his beautiful family. I was blessed to know and have him as my friend. He won't be forgotten. Love you girl.
Grace Medina
July 12, 2012
I really enjoyed talking to Mr.Purdie. He brightened many a day at "Old" Sherman. Just think of the band he's playing with <3
Lacey
July 12, 2012
Francois, I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Aaron. My heart goes out to you.
Lacey Fix
Perrysburg ohio
Arthinia Thompson
July 12, 2012
May god bless and keep youFrancois and the Purdie family in your time of sorrow. He will be deeply missed at Walk the WOrd Ministry. I love you very much my sister in christ.
Sis Arthinia Thompson
Chris & Terry Powell
July 12, 2012
Aaron - you will be greatly missed. You brought laughter and love to us all. Condolences to Francois, family and friends.
Debbie Preston
July 12, 2012
Family,
May god surround you with his love during your time of grief. I, with everyone else, have thoughts and prayers to give you some comfort in this sad loss of a great person. I had the pleasure of working with him at TPS, he was loved by ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF. He made such an impact on many lives he touched. May he rest in Heaven now with our Lord!
Lonell & Lynda Green
July 12, 2012
We love you Francois and all of the Purdie family! May "GOD" take the pain away in time that you all feel, for i know there are no words that can ease your pain, "JUST PRAYER". We are praying for all of you and ourselves because, "WE'VE LOST Aaron too! Love You!!!
Lynda (Harper) Green
July 12, 2012
he Purdie Family Aaron's "Shinning Smile In Your Hearts"!!! A gentleman he was! I will miss and love him always!!!!!
Janet Bish
July 12, 2012
His smile and laughter will be greatly missed, he is one of a kind. My prayers are with you.
Donna Barnes
July 12, 2012
It's so hard to lose one of the strong, wise men in our family. Aaron was first of all a strong man of God who wasn't ashamed to praise Him. You learn a lot about a person when you attend church with them every week - you learn whether it's real for them. The Lord was real for Aaron. His wisdom and strength were a blessing. Knowing him made me a better person and I loved him dearly...and to my beloved sister in Christ, we can lean on Joshua 1:9 and the love and support of family.
Dan Welch
July 11, 2012
What a gentleman!!! ...always wore a suit and tie in the classroom...the kids respected him. He could leave their jaws hanging after one of his solo percussion exhibitions. This is a sad day!
July 11, 2012
To the Purdie family,I was deeply saddened to hear that Deacon Purdie had passed away.He always greeted people with a smile,a firm hand shake and some candy. Always had a good joke to make you feel better. He will be missed by many. Sincerely Anthony Medley
Lynnette Brown
July 11, 2012
Where do i began?
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Purdie 4 years ago at Fulton elementary scchool, he was so fun.
It was the last year Fulton would be open and we had an program and Mr. Purdie brought in his full drum set and his BAND it was a blast!
Thats the kind of person he was. He will be GREATLY MISSED.
To his wife so sorry about your loss.
Thank you for sharing him with all of us that knew him.
God Bless You.
Roland Jones
July 11, 2012
To the love ones of aaron,my friend will be miss by alot of people you will never know because of the person we all knew he was and he will live in all of us until we meet him again if we live with.the love of life and people as he did we will be doing as he would have wanted of us. I love you all and will always be here for you. One of his best friends for over 40 yrs.Roland L. Jones
Mardest Crosby
July 11, 2012
To Francois and the family, I was terribly saddened to hear of Aaron's passing. He will always be remembered as a wonderful person, one who could make you laugh. I will miss him. May our Lord comfort you during your time of bereavement.
Love to you always.
Sonya & Erik Johnson
July 11, 2012
Francois and family, keeping you in our prayers.
Martha Jude
July 11, 2012
To the family,
We offer you our sincere sympathy. We were very fortunate to have Mr. Purdie with us at Pickett. Our students and staff loved him. We will always remember our time with him.
Adrienne Renfro
July 11, 2012
I was truly saddened to hear about the passing of Mr.Purdie. The teachers and students at our school loved him. He was a great musical man of God and he will truly be missed.
Jerry and Tracie Kelly
July 11, 2012
Keeping you and the family lifted in prayer. We love you!
crystal POWERS
July 11, 2012
To fran, my sister, i don;t even kno what to say, iam going to miss seeing you guys out at about, MR. AARON, was a very smart man, an he love you soooo much, i will never for get him'/ my heart jus cry for you, your family is in my prayers, i was just throw over , peace be with . you always know what to to say threw my trouble pain in my family, NOW my love goes out to you
Terry Moton
July 11, 2012
To Francois Purdie , Dec Purdie will be missed truly as a humble servant of 'Walk The Word Ministries as well as me'. What a jewel of a man, Terry Moton .
Denise Ford Saxon
July 11, 2012
My dear sister Francoise. I am praying that God strengthen your heart as you go through this most difficult time. I will always remember Aaron's big smile and laughter.
Your Ford family will be with you for the long haul. Most importantly we know that God is able to carry you through.
I love you always!
Pamela Green-Jones
July 11, 2012
I share the pleasure of working with Mr. Purdy as a Substitute Teacher at Toledo Public Schools. A gentle spirit who endowed his musical prowess and friendly spirit on everyone especially the students that he encountered, Mr. Purdy will surely be missed! Rest in Heaven Mr. Purdy! Your enthusiasm for Music and spirit of love will be lost this upcoming school year and for years to come! To his family, my heartfelt condolence to all of you. God's blessings and fond memories will keep you in your bereavement.
Deacon Wil and Valerie Robinson
July 11, 2012
Fran & Family,
I know there are no words that can ease the pain and sorrow you must be feeling at this time. Please know that you are in our prayers. Deacon Purdie was a very kind and funny man "Candy Man". His beautiful voice will be heard forever. God Bless you lean on him.
Boniwell Graham, Jr
July 11, 2012
Purdie and I were on the Marching 101 together. He was innovative and greatly talented. Our prayers are with your family during this period of sadness.
Brenda and Bonniwell Graham
Pastor Randall "Fats" & Mrs. Eunice Blakely
July 11, 2012
To Francious & the entire Purdie Family:
We were very saddened to here of the passing of Deacon Purdie. Numerous memories flashed through our minds notable, his voice was a blessing to the Body of Christ as he captivated the audience when he assisted the Rhema Word Choir; he wore a million dollar smile; those soft mints he distributed on Sundays; and last his love for his wife and family.
Please know that we are praying for your strength during this difficult time. God be with you and bless you is our prayer.
Alexander Nichols
July 11, 2012
Purdie was a special individual. I played in the Marching 101 where he was the heartbeat of the drum section. He will be missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Skrzyniecki
July 11, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Purdie at Toledo Public Schools. I would often request him for my special education class. He was an excellent educator and wonderful man. May you find comfort in the memories of your time together.
Tina Afonica, Kathy Kosik
July 11, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
MARK CALDWELL
July 11, 2012
HI TRISH, U KNOW JUST AS WELL AS I DO, THAT THERE'S NOT A CORRECT WORD OR PHRASE THAT I COUOLD SAY - THAT WOULD MAKE EVERYTHING OK.! THAT WOULD HAVE TO COME FROM 'J.C. & THEM!! BUT YOU..., & AARON ARE IN MY PRAYERS!!
Glenda Biddlestone
July 11, 2012
God bless the Purdie family. Aaron was a wonderful musician and teacher. I loved singing with him at Rusty's many years ago. I would request him as my substitute when I would be absent from Toledo Public Schools. I requested Aaron because the kids loved him so much as well as my colleagues. I loved to hear the stories when I returned to school from my students about Mr.Purdie and what a great drummer he is. "He is so cool!" they would say and the kids would show me all the things he had taught them. My condolences to you, his family, what a great loss. He is with the Lord, playing with all his friends that have gone home before him. God rest his dear soul, Aaron was a joy on earth.
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