Thomas IV

Thomas "Tom" Purser IV of Gulfport, MS passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Garden Park Hospital just 2 days prior to his 54th birthday. For many years, Tom battled cardiovascular disease and blood disorders that were directly attributed to Gulf War Syndrome, heat stroke, and PTSD. He worked tirelessly to find studies and treatments that focused on helping service members who suffered similarly. Tom truly believed he could regain his health, but with so much trauma he had endured, his body ultimately succumbed to pneumonia and heart failure.

Tom was born May 26, 1964 in Jackson MS. He was a graduate of Picayune Memorial High School and the University of Southern Mississippi where he played D1 tennis. Tom was a huge talent in many facets of his life. Not only did he attend Nick Bollettieri tennis academy, playing (and beating) some of the greats, he also excelled on the classical guitar, opening up for the New Orleans symphony at a very young age. He was a very gifted writer, producer and performer and could pick up any instrument and play it. Tom joined the Marine Corp Reserves in 1987. As you can imagine, he was the ultimate Marine.  He served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5 Dark Horse), where he was qualified and excelled at multiple positions and was also a marine combat instructor of water survival. Tom later worked as the V.A./DOD Liaison under Congressman Gene Taylor. He was an advocate for countless other service members. He fought for them as passionately as he served.

After his return home from Desert Storm, Tom married his college sweetheart, Dianne Shireman Purser, on December 28, 1991.  It was well known that he adored his wife. Tom wasn't a big sharer of feelings, but he forever would say that Dianne still gave him butterflies when she walked into a room. He was loyal like no other to his family and friends. Just a few years later, Tom and Di started their sweet little family. Rachel and Madi were his everything. His girls are as athletic, gifted and kind as their daddy. He was so proud of them. There really are no words that can describe just how proud Tom was of his family. The four of them were inseparable, and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. On June 6, 2016 he became the super proud papaw to Rigby, Rachel's baby girl. Rigs loved her papaw more than anything. He loved making everyone else jealous that she always wanted to go to him.
What a truly one of a kind man, that had an effect on everyone he met.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas and Jeanette (Stietenroth) Purser.
His memory is carried on by his wife, Dianne (Shireman) Purser; his daughters Rachel Purser-Dixon (Tedd) and Madison Jeanette Purser; his granddaughter Rigby; his sisters, Vicky Purser Quinn (Kevin), Jeanene Purser, and Patricia Purser Arthur (Chris); his in laws, Jayne Meriwether (John), Judy Gifford, Beth Gillespie (Eric), Steve Shireman (Susan), and Jody Riley (Steve); his nieces and nephews, Connor, Colin & Marymargaret Quinn, Courtney, Meghan & Kate Caradonna, and Andie, Cole, & Graham Arthur, Jessica Meriwether, Stephanie Gifford & Samantha Chaplain, Scott & Connor Schultz, Michael, Bailey & Blake Riley and Glenn Shireman; and his Uncle Bill & Aunt Mary Felder & their family.
A gravesides service will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30pm with full military honors rendered.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to: Tom Purser Memorial Fund at any branch of Hancock-Whitney Bank, Account # 061273930, Routing # 065503681.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and condolences and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com.