Gerald R. Purvis

Mr. Gerald R. Purvis, age 87, of Blackshear, passed away late Sunday night (1/19/20) at the Community Hospice and Palliative Care at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida following an extended illness.

Born January 1, 1933 in Alma, Georgia, he was a son of the late Ross and Mary Bratcher Purvis.  He was raised in Bacon County and lived in Wayne County for a few years before moving to Blackshear in the early 1970’s.  He was retired from CSX Transportation as a sheet metal worker and pipefitter following 39.5 years of service.   He attended Bridge Community Church in Blackshear and attended the John and Nancy McIntosh Community Group.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillian McCarthy and Hazel Buckins; and 3 brothers, Joe Purvis, David Purvis, and Johnnie Purvis.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jeanne E. Purvis of Blackshear; his daughter, Nancy Purvis of Blackshear; 2 sons, Ross Purvis (wife Sue) and Mike Purvis (Charlene Riggins), both of Blackshear; 7 grandchildren, Drew Barber (wife Katrina) of Blackshear, Landon Barber of Blackshear, Hunter Barber (wife Bethany) of Nahunta, Payton Purvis (wife Katelin) of Greenville, N.C., Jarred Purvis (wife Haley) of Greenville, N.C., Caleb Purvis of Blackshear, and Kristy Purvis of Nashville, GA; 3 great grandchildren, Clementine Barber and Jude Barber, both of Nahunta, and Levi Purvis of Greenville; 2 sisters, Gracie Williams of Waycross and Mary Jean Glass (husband Frank) of Plant City, FL; 2 brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, Clarence “Buddy” and Elaine Edens of Jackson, MS and Robert Edens of Alexandria, LA; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Thursday morning (1/23/20) at 11 AM at Bridge Community Church. Burial will follow in the Waters Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridge Community Church, 419 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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