Mr. Virgil Knox Purnell, Sr., 88, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at his home in Carroll County surrounded by his family. Services are at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Greenwood Delta Funeral Home with the Rev. Lanny Haley officiating. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 29.
Virgil was born in Reform, Ala. and was raised in the Sunnyside community of Leflore County. He served in the US Navy and then worked as a lineman for Greenwood Utilities for 34 years. Virgil loved fishing, watching football and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Glenda Smith Purnell, his parents, Rufus Lyon and Adell Hughes Purnell and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carol Moore Purnell; daughter, Merry Glenn Young (Harold) of Greenwood, four sons, Knox Purnell, Jr. (Phyllis) of Olive Branch, Chris Purnell (Liz) of Southaven, Derek Purnell (Jeri Faye) of Winona, Brad Stallings of Carrollton; a sister, Carolyn Tindall of Carrollton, seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Haddon, Randy Henderson, Justin Brunson, Cliff Aldridge, Tim Beasley, Walter Shaw, Michael Wiggins, and Colby Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers are Barry Eskridge, Dr. Rob White, Rick Allen, Hank Hargrove, Buddy Morgan, Bobby Moore, Jerry Ferguson, Russell Brunson , and the late Mitch Mitchell.
The family wishes to offer a special word of thanks to his care givers, Jeanette Henson, Jada Mims and Seme Andrews
Memorials may be made to the Greenwood Leflore Humane Society, Hope Animal Sanctuary, the American Legion Post #29 or the charity of donor’s choice.
Greenwood Delta Funeral Home (www.greenwoodeltafh.com) is in charge of arrangements.
