In Loving Memory of Stephen Purvis
May 7, 1935 – December 5, 2024

It is with profound sorrow yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Stephen Purvis, aged 89, on December 5, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Stephen Purvis was born on May 7, 1935, in Lithia, Florida to the late Hoyt and Mildred Purvis.

He graduated from Pine Crest High School in 1952. Soon after finishing high school, he served 3 years in the United States Army. After his time in the Army, Stephen built a successful career as an assistant warehouse manager for the W.S. Badcock Corporation. He became well-respected for his integrity and work ethic.

Stephen was a devoted husband to his wife, Joann, of 55 years, and a loving father to his 3 children. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them, whether at home or on the lake fishing for shellcracker. He was also a proud “Papa” to 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with whom he enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with. He was a true believer in the adage: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Stephen’s deep faith was the foundation of his life. He was a devout member of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, and his warmth, compassion, and dedication to the church and its members earned him the admiration and affection of everyone who knew him. He was a strong believer in the Sovereign Grace of God and the simplicity of the Gospel.

Stephen’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. He is survived by his brother Cleve (m. Edna Parsons); his stepdaughter Leah Kay (m. Nathan Watkins); his sons Mark (m. Annette McCaul), and Gavin; his grandchildren, Kristen (m. Bobby Moore), Phillip (m. Jana Burns), Katie (m. Norman Coleman), Kassy (m. Joseph Johnson), Candace (m. Chris Mercer), Cheryl (m. Eric Robertson), Shannon (m. Josh Coble), Tiffanie; and his great-grandchildren, Caden, Branden, Landen, Jorden, Brady, Emily, Chandler, Greyson, Jeza, Jase, Nathan, Emma, Arya, Carly, Kayden, and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A visitation will be held at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church (Bonifay, Florida), burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, where Stephen will be laid to rest beside his wife.

The Purvis family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who have offered their love and support during this difficult time.

Whitehurst-Powell is honored to serve the Purvis family during this difficult time.