Cover photo for William Thomas “Tommy” Purgason's Obituary
William Thomas “Tommy” Purgason Profile Photo

William Thomas “Tommy” Purgason

March 4, 1941 — May 19, 2023

Eden, NC

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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Thomas “Tommy” Purgason, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Smyrna Presbyterian Church

3350 NC-65, Reidsville, NC 27320

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Smyrna Presbyterian Church

3350 NC-65, Reidsville, NC 27320

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Starts at 2:45 pm (Eastern time)

Smyrna Presbyterian Church

3350 NC-65, Reidsville, NC 27320

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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