Purkey, Billy

Billy R. Purkey Billy R. Purkey, age 82, died Thursday, September 4, 2014, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va. Mr. Purkey was born in Bland County, Va., and later moved to Marion. He was a long standing member of Grace United Methodist Church. Bill retired as the Director of Buildings and Grounds at Southwestern State Hospital after more than 40 years of service. In his earlier years he worked with his father-in-law, Eugene Horne, building homes. His passions were his church, his family, woodworking and animals. He loved his cat Coconut. Mr. Purkey was known and loved by many; and will be missed by many. Billy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sylvia Purkey; and his son, Michael Purkey. He is survived by his daughter, Terese Fleming and husband James, of Monroe, N.C.; sister, Nellie Downy of Roanoke, Va.; brother, Bobby Purkey and wife Faye, of Grant, Va.; daughter-in-law, Nancy Purkey of Marion, Va.; sister-in-law, Shirley Horne Blackwell of Marion, Va.; grandchildren, Kristen Kemenczky and husband Kyle, and Jarrod Fleming, all of Monroe, N.C.; and special friend, Shirley Haga of Marion, Va. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 7, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with the Reverend Emmit Wilson officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, September 6, 2014, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; or to the Smyth County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1124, Marion VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Purkey Family.