Floyd Purnell

Floyd C. ``Bunny” Purnell, son of the late Floyd George and Thelma Catherine Spence-Purnell, peacefully transitioned this earthly life to eternal rest on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at his Berlin home, where he spent his final moments being taken care of by his faithful wife, “Bunny.”

He was born March 17, 1948 in Newark, Maryland. He attended the public schools of Worcester County. He also attended a trade school in Salisbury, Maryland, where he studied mechanics. He was raised in Calvary United Methodist Church as a child. Later in life, “Bunny” became a member of Williams A.M.E. Church.

He was a simple man who saw the beauty of life in things like sunrises, sunsets, grass, and seasons changing. A lover of all things outdoors and a jack of all trades, he loved hunting, farming, grilling, drag racing, and he was a great mechanic. He worked at Wainwrights in Berlin, Maryland, for over 40 plus years, and kept a strong work ethic until retiring. Because he was not a man who could sit still, he decided to start a grass cutting business, along with other side jobs. He then decided to work seasonal for the Town of Ocean City in the Solid waste Department until he fell  ill.   

From his first marriage came five children. On September 23 of 1995, he was united in holy matrimony to his best friend, and soulmate, Elsie Mae Purnell. The couple fathered a young lady. They enjoyed traveling together, spending time with family, and loving the Lord. This union was blessed with a beautiful blended family.

 As a result of his generous spirit and pleasant personality, he was loved and respected by many. His life was as beautiful as the flowers he loved to plant, and the many yards he nurtured with care.  His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memories, wife: Elsie Purnell; children: Tracy Purnell, Terrence (Melody) Purnell, Floyd (Elaine) Purnell Jr., all of Berlin, MD, Cordia (Ronnie) Manuel of Snow Hill, MD, Mariyland (Jerome) Counts of Selbyville, DE, Mary (Johnny) Johnson Berlin, MD;  sister: Catherine (Gary) Purnell-Jones of Glen Burnie, MD, Yvonne (Lewis) Purnell-Williams Dover, DE, brother: John “Mike” Purnell of Powellville, MD; 21 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; his mother in law: Virginia Foreman; brothers-in-law: Henry Foreman, Gerald Dennis, and Glenn Dennis; sister-in-law, Inez Foreman; devoted friends: Johnnie (June) Lewis & Family, Newark, MD; Tom (Nancy) Dorman Berlin, MD, George Toppins of Salisbury, MD, Wainwright's Tire Center Berlin, MD; Jeff Riley, Barry (Christine) Vandercook Bishopville, MD; a host of devoted friends, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Floyd and Thelma Purnell; maternal & paternal grandparents; sister: Drucilla Purnell, brothers-in-law: Wilbert and Kenneth Foreman, and Wayne Dennis.

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

Lovingly and Sorrowfully Submitted by the Family

Note: Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. will comply with the COVID-19 rules regarding masks and safe social distancing. Therefore, anyone attending the viewing and graveside services must wear a mask.

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