William Thomas “Tommy” Purgason

William Thomas (“Tommy”) Purgason, 82,  passed away Friday, May 19. Tommy was born March 4, 1941, in Rockingham County, NC, to Bill and Virginia Puckett Purgason.

Preceded in death by his parents, sister Kaye Shelton, and brother-in-law Don Russell, he is survived by sisters Hazel P. Russell and Peggy P. Baynes (Charles), 4 nephews and 2 nieces, and numerous cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces.   After retiring from Stroh’s Brewery, he started a lawn care business in the Eden area.  When not working, he enjoyed going to car shows and showing his 1960 Chevy Impala.  He also took pleasure in biking, both recreationally and across NC, riding the Murphy to Manteo route multiple times. 

A lifelong resident of Rockingham County, Tommy was a charter member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as assistant fire chief and fire chief during his many years there.  He was a faithful member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir.  The family would like to thank Rickie Bowers for her care of Tommy for the last few years, allowing him to remain in the home he loved until his death.

A funeral service will be held at Smyrna Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 24.  Visitation will begin at 1 with the service at 2 pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Smyrna Presbyterian Church; gifts can be sent to Ann Dixon, 291 Crowder Road, Madison, NC 27025. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the Purgason family.