Richard Purvis, Jr.

Richard "Dickie" Hayes Purvis, Jr., 75, departed this life on July 10, 2021. He was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and took great pleasure in terrorizing the schools of speckled trout and red fish from the Pascagoula River to the South-west Pass. Richard was born in Madisonville, LA. The US Army Corps of Engineers instituted a hatchery program shortly after Richard discovered largemouth and striped bass. Richard was full of good advice and willingly shared his counsel with all who would listen.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Geneva Joshlin Purvis, who gently resisted and then yielded to his requests for a new Shimano reel, a better fishing pole, or a newer boat. His love for his wife was only matched by his love for his sons, Jason Brooks Purvis (his family Charmayne, their son Chad, and Chad's son Jaxton) and Brandon Jacob Purvis (his family Kristen Michelle Williams, son Flint Baxter and daughter Flora Nova.) Richard leaves behind two nieces and a nephew, several cousins, and more good friends that most have the luck to have in a life. Richard is also survived by a brother from another mother, Timothy Chadick.

Richard was a graduate of Bogalusa High School and matriculated at North-East Louisiana State University in Monroe obtaining a bachelor's degree in business and marketing. Shortly thereafter, Uncle Sam called, and he served in the United States Army. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Richard took a job with State Farm Insurance where he worked until his retirement. There was a little fishing in there along the way. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard H. Purvis, Sr., his mother Lula Delores Watson Purvis, his sister Elizabeth Sue Purvis Pritchard, his Uncle Jacob, and his Aunt Edna Purvis. We also remember those not named here and remind them the paper charges by the word.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Biloxi located in the Woolmarket Community on Shriner's Blvd. Richard will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Biloxi National Cemetery. Arrangements have been handled by Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport. The online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Biloxi, the Harrison County Humane Society, or your favorite charity. Richard's last advice: "Keep your line tight, and an eye on your cork."