Riley C. Purcell

Mr. Purcell was born on August 29, 1937, in Baldwin, Georgia; son of the late David Riley and Gertrude Worley Purcell. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lucille Purcell Knowling, brothers, Luther Purcell, Roy Purcell and Haskell Purcell. Mr. Purcell was a graduate of North Habersham High School and North Georgia Technical College. He was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church, where he served as clerk for a number of years. Mr. Purcell is a member of the Clarkesville Masonic Lodge #325 F. & A.M.; he was recently honored by being presented his 50 year apron and pin. Mr. Purcell was a veteran with the United States Air Force. He was a retired electrician with the Russell Corporation with several years of service. He was on the Board of Directors with Engineered Openings, where he served as the Treasurer. Mr. Purcell was a violinist having played with the Toccoa Symphony for a number of years and he also played the violin in church and at family functions.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Kaye Nell Gaddis Purcell, Demorest; daughters, Debbie Purcell, Cornelia and Rhonda Purcell, Demorest; granddaughter, Holly Howington, Atlanta; sister, Reba McCoy, Dallas, GA; sister-in-law, Martha Purcell West, Cornelia; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia with Rev. Lamar Purcell, Mr. Rick Purcell, Ms. Debbie Purcell and Ms. Rhonda Purcell officiating. Interment will follow in the V.F.W. Memorial Park with Rev. Royce Winters officiating. Full military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard, the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to "The Lord's Help, Inc." for the Cornelia Soup Kitchen Fund, P.O. Box 3 Cornelia, GA 30531

Those wishing to express online condolences to the Purcell family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. (706) 778-1700