James Melvin Purdee

James Melvin Purdee (Big Jim), 74, of Warsaw, NC, passed away, Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family that loved him immensely.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 14, at Community Funeral Home, 1654 NC-50, Warsaw, NC 28398. The burial will follow at 4:00 PM at Devotional Gardens. Visitation will precede the funeral at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Jim was born February 21, 1946 in Raleigh, NC to Walter and Lucille Purdee. He began driving long haul trucks at the age of fifteen and continued for the next seventeen years till 1978. He began his own business and created Purdee Diesel in 1978 that has continued to be a respected family business. There were several adventures before reaching the present destination in Mount Olive, NC including a mobile repair service crossing several states. Jim was a big man with the big heart and big personality who never met a stranger.

He was hard worker and only retired a few years prior to his passing; however, he would still go to the shop to "keep an eye on things". He was a generous and funny man who loved to pick on people and laugh. He liked to watch a race and said it was the best nap of the day. He loved his family and especially enjoyed taking the grandchildren on camping trips. The grandchildren will always treasure the time they were able to spend with their grandparents even when he would tell them to sometimes "get still, be quiet". He would say that the grandchildren were good kids but kind of loud.  

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years who took care of him sacrificially and spoiled him with love and attention, Betty Gail Blanchard Purdee. 
His children, Angel Wallace (Chasten) Jimmy Purdee (Billie Jo) and Susan Alonso(Tico.)  

Grandchildren, Daniel Wallace (Ashley), Jacob Wallace and Stone Wallace, Cameron Purdee (Alex), Leah Reaves (Zach), Dillon Alonso (Kayla), Cody Alonso and Naomi Alonso

Great-Grandchildren, Carson and Carter Purdee and soon to arrive, Alaina Reaves 

Sister, Linda Purdee Parker (Bernard) 

Numerous nieces and nephews  

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Peggy Hicks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to "Love for Layla Grace, Inc." 127 Circle Drive, Kenansville NC 28349. On memo line list Jim Purdee memorial gift or "Rayford Kennedy Foundation" Southern Bank PO Box 40, Kenansville NC 28349. Both of these agencies provide services for families that have specific needs and ministry options.

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