It is with a heavy heart that the Purnell family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend Grover Lee Purnell. On the 24th of November, 2022, Grover left this world peacefully at the age of 58, surrounded by his loving family and friends after a decades-long battle with multiple illnesses.
Grover was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the 16th of March, 1964 to John and Mary Purnell. He traveled the world as the youngest child of an Air Force family, eventually settling in Chipley, Florida upon his father’s retirement. It was there that he met the love of his life, Marie Purnell, while attending Chipley High School. Following in his father’s footsteps, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation.
Grover began his long and illustrious Air Force career working on F-4 Phantom fighter jets, working his way up to crew-chief. From there, he transitioned into electronics and communications, where he worked for the White House Communications Agency, Combat Camera, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and the Air Education and Training Command.
His career took him far and wide, where he met many people who endeared him for his tireless dedication and kindness. He made the success of others his personal mission. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Grover settled in Daphne, Alabama, where he lovingly raised his two sons Stephen and Kyle.
Grover is survived by his loving wife, Marie Purnell, his sons Stephen D. Purnell (Abby Purnell), John Kyle Purnell, his brother, J. Keith Purnell (Sheryl Purnell), and his sister Sandra Purnell Jiminez, nieces and nephews Michael Maddox, Danielle Rangel, Tony Jiminez, Nicole Buzelli, Matthew Celano, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents John C. Purnell and Mary-Louise Purnell, and his sister Cyndy Purnell Maddox, and his brother-in-law David Jiminez.
Services were held at Brown Funeral Home in Chipley, Florida on Friday December 2nd 2022 at 1:00 P.M., to be followed by a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery at a future date.