Arlie E. “Bo” Purvis, Jr., 92, of Tifton passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at his residence. His funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Independent Worship Center in Tifton with the Rev. Tim Henry officiating. A eulogy will be given by Rev. Shelton Smith. Mr. Purvis will be laid to rest at Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Chris Purvis, Jacob Purvis, Paul Barong, Josh Harper, Josh Curry and Shawn Duckworth will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Prince, Deacon Barong, Ashton Webb, Bobby Hobby, Tommy Walker, Ricky Manders, Kyle McKinney, Skylar Ray, Chad Walden, Tommy Pitts, Eddie Baker, Eddie Brogdon, Joe Simpson, Randall Simpson, Dan Vandyke, Andy Snyder and Bruce Henry.
Born March 27, 1932, in Tifton, Mr. Purvis was the son of the late Arlie E. Purvis, Sr. and Sallie Futch Purvis. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Lois Boyd, Thelma Curtis and Mahaley Hiers; two brothers, James Purvis and Clarence Purvis; one son-in-law Jerry Ivey; one grandson, Josh Pressley; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Boyce B. and Sarah Wallace. Before retiring, he farmed and was a factory worker.
One of Mr. Purvis’ greatest enjoyments was decorating the farm in Christmas décor and lights. People came from surrounding communities to enjoy riding through the farm. He loved seeing all the happy faces every year.
When the brim were bedding and creeks were rising, he always enjoyed that time of year, planting, gardening, harvesting and making cane syrup. Along with the other hobbies, Bo relished the time of the year when he could plant and watch his garden grow. One of his greatest blessings was when he called the whole family together to start the canning process from his harvest. But his greatest blessing was sharing his harvest with friends and family.
Mr. Purvis is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Wallace Purvis of Tifton, who he married on September 5, 1953; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Dianna Purvis of Marianna, Florida; one daughter, Louise Ivey of Tifton; four grandchildren and their spouses, Christopher and Teresa Purvis, Jacob and Shantel Purvis, Ryann and Paul Barong, and Wendy Pressley; nine great-grandchildren, Austin, Alexis, Addison, Gavin, Kyleigh, Alyssa, Peyton, Deacon and Charley; two great-great grandchildren, Ashton and Harper Webb; a bonus child, Loretta Duckworth; a bonus grandchild, Whitney VanBrackle; and two step-grandchildren, Grace and Maison.