Raymond Purvis

Raymond Paul Purvis, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away during the early morning hours on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Raymond, often referred to as Ray, was born to Raymond and Elizabeth Kiernan Purvis on Sept. 24, 1943, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Ray graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1962. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force.

During his military career, Ray had tours in Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and completed the final duties of his service at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. Ray retired after 27 active years in August 1985, followed by seven years in the reserve, ending in 1992.

During his latter years of service with the Air Force, Ray’s primary specialty was performed as an Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as other badges and citations.

Ray married Melchora Obando on Nov. 27, 1976, in Angeles City, Philippines, while stationed at Clark Air Base in Luzon. They have one daughter, Elizabeth.

After returning from a family trip to Mountain View, Missouri, Ray passed through the Ouachita Mountains and instantly fell in love with the beauty and remoteness of the region. Just weeks following his retirement, Ray and his family moved to Mena, Arkansas in August 1985, which he has called home until his passing.

Ray’s retirement years were spent taking automotive classes on the campus of Rich Mountain Community College, tinkering in his workshop/garage, and listening to music while relaxing in his favorite recliner. Though some may have characterized him as being a gruff individual, Ray was a man with a heart pure as gold and had an infectious smile he often shared with his family and loved ones.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Ramsdal; and son, Ronnie Neal Purvis.

He is survived by his wife, Melchora, of the home; his daughters, Elizabeth Purvis Horn (Dustin) of Mena, Arkansas and Neonia Lynn Townley, of Flowery Branch, Georgia; grandchildren, Sophie M. Meade (Mathew), of Mena, Arkansas; Dustin D. Horn, II, of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; and Peyton T. Townley, of Flowery Branch, Georgia; great grandchildren, Dylan Fisher Meade and Levi Brooks Meade, both of Mena, Arkansas; and a host of nephews and nieces.

A remembrance service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 2708 US Highway 71 S., in Mena. Rev. Jack G. Smith will be the officiant. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online guestbook: www.bowserffh.com