Jim
was born to the late Floyd Paul and Ruth (Thomas) Purdy. A proud
graduate of Loudon High School, Class of 1957. This class remained very
close through the years and Jim was one of the organizers that kept
their reunions active. A life-long and faithful member of the
Philadelphia United Methodist Church, Jim was instrumental in doing
things that were beneficial
to his church. Jim was a member of the TN Lodge 204 F &
AM, in addition he was a Shriner, a Jester and a member of both the York
Rite and the Scottish Rite Masons. Along with his brother Ray, Jim
founded the Purdy Bros. Trucking Company in 1972. He had a knack for
business and fostered the company along these many years developing a
great transportation business anchored in Loudon County. Another going
concern, Loudon Trucking Company remains strong as well. Jim owned and
operated the Grove Wine and Spirits in Loudon and enjoyed investing in
Real Estate and developing real estate projects. Jim participated in the
monthly club “Senior Creek in the Woods” a longtime gathering of
friends; of which he leaves behind many friends, too many to mention. He
also leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity; a Gentleman in every
sense of the word. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma Jean (Williams) Purdy (1986). He is survived by his children and their spouses; Jeanine (Mike) Ryan, Loudon, Lisa (Doug) Surrett, Lenoir City, Callie Purdy, Philadelphia and Jeff Paul Purdy, Philadelphia; grandchildren and spouses, Dr. Justin (Felicia) Harrell, Lexington, KY, Morgan Harrell, Loudon, Alyssa (Chris) Duffy, NYC, Chelsea Surrett Stovall (Brian), Knoxville, Evan Surrett, Knoxville and Jordan Paul Purdy (Ashley), Philadelphia; great grandchildren, Leah, Ella, Cora and James Paul “J.P.”; siblings and spouses, Robert (Joy) Purdy, Farragut , Ray (Angie) Purdy, Atlanta, Patricia Barr, Loudon and Betty Whitney, Jacksonville, FL; fiancée, Patti Fraker Wells, Kingston; several nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 24th, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and again 4:00 -6:45 PM in the McGill Click Chapel with Masonic Rites at 7:00 PM being provided by TN Lodge 204 F & AM.
Funeral Services 2:00 PM Friday, Jan. 25th, Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 400 Church St. Philadelphia.
Interment will follow in the Loudon County Memorial Gardens, Lenoir City. Serving as pallbearers, Larry Jameson, Wayne Akins, Mark Frye, Steve Cox, Norm Anderson, Mike Frank and Billy Bacon; honorary pallbearers, LHS Class of 1957, Mel Hines, Ralph Scott, Bill Gage, Doyle Arp and JW McFail.
Contributions in Jim Purdy’s memory may be made to his church, Philadelphia UMC, P.O. Box 196, Philadelphia, TN 37846.