Bryan Purvis

George Bryan Purvis, 86, peacefully entered into eternity with the Lord in the early morning hours of Friday, July 14, 2023. 

He was born September 15,1936 to Clifton Cohen Purvis and Nauva Atkinson Purvis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Purvis Ballard and brother, Edwin Purvis.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sarah Purvis; 3 children: Lisa Book (Bill), Karen Sherrill (Todd), and Debbie Perry (Keith); 6 grandchildren: Graham Sherrill (MaryLindsay), Heath Perry (MaryBeth), Colin Perry (Summer), Kara Sherrill, Jana Sherrill Ramirez (Raul), Haley Perry; 3 great-grandchildren: Hazel Sherrill, Ivy Sherrill, and Mayer Perry.

Bryan was a simple country boy that grew up in southeastern North Carolina on a tobacco farm. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 1958 with a degree in business administration, where he also met his wife, Sarah. 

He and his wife raised 3 children and instilled in them the value of faith in Jesus and service in the local church. Bryan enjoyed chaperoning youth camping trips, summer beach retreats, and visiting the sick and shut ins. Bryan loved going to Oakhurst Baptist as long as he could, even close to his death.

Bryan loved running, gardening, and Wake Forest University athletics. He ran 30 marathons, a remarkable achievement in his lifetime. In the summertime, he was known for his fresh produce from his garden that he would generously share with friends and family.

In the fall, he enjoyed going to Wake Forest football games with his daughters, which typically included stops at Lexington Barbecue for barbecue sandwiches. 

When he had grandchildren, he took them on trips ranging from the beach to the Great Smoky Mountains. He loved creating special memories with his children and grandchildren on those family trips.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Monday, July 17, 2023 at Oakhurst Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 AM. 

Thank you to all of the caregivers who helped care for Bryan.

Memorials may be made to Oakhurst Baptist Church, 5037 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205 and VIA Hospice, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28427 viagiving.org/donating