Paul T. Purcell, 71, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. He was born on Monday, December 8, 1947, to the late Joseph and Mary Purcell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Purcell. Paul worked in the furniture industry for forty years. He was the Vice President of Corporate Credit for Stanley and Pulaski Furniture. He was a member of FMCA (Furniture Manufacturers Credit Association) and held the offices of Treasurer, Vice-President, and President while a member. Paul left his furniture career and began a new journey at Associated Asphalt as the Credit Manager before retiring in 2018. Paul was a devout Catholic and served his church in a multitude of capacities such as the Project 2000 Building Committee and as a member and Chair of the Parish Council. He also served for 10 years on the St. Andrews Cemetery board as the Treasurer. Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 46 years, the last 20 years as a member of Council 10015 at OLPH. Paul was a Fourth Degree Knight and held many positions including Program Director, Deputy Grand Knight and various other service program positions within the Knights. He was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Purcell; daughter, Melissa Yates (Mike); son, David Purcell (Angie); daughter, Kelly Grubbs (Jon); grandchildren, Nathan Yates, Emma Yates, and Sydney Yates, Allison Purcell, Emily Purcell, James Purcell, Thomas Purcell, Camden Oakes, and Kylie Grubbs. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Janet, Joe, Donnie, John, Mary, Jane Anne, Lisa, and Leslie.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 314 Turner Rd, Salem, Va. with Fr. Ken Shuping officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Roanoke with family members serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2019, with a Vigil being conducted at 7 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OLPH Church Choir.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.