Wilford Erwin Purvee

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Wilford Erwin Purvee on August 18, 2024, at the age of 94 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Wilford was born in Ticonderoga, NY on September 17, 1929, to his loving parents Dwight Syke and Marian Jenny Purvee. After graduating from Grandville High School in 1948, he went on to serve honorably in the United States Navy for 32 years.

While singing in the church choir, Wilford met Barbara Joan Kilmer. Barbara was the love of his life and they were married on June 21, 1959. They had just recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

A man of many talents, Wilford found joy in gardening, playing the piano, and singing in the church choir. His warm humor and compassionate spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. Wilford’s faith was central to his life, and he was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Wilford was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Marian Purvee; brothers Elwin, Clarence, Daniel and Clifton as well as sisters Vivian, Carrie and Myrtle. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara Purvee; sons Wilford Purvee Jr. and Russell Purvee (wife Sheri); grandchildren Sara Purvee, Krystal Purvee and Alan Purvee, Elizabeth Doyle, Robert Devers, ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday, September 10 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Friends and family are invited to come together to share memories, offer condolences, and pay their respects. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 12 at 10:30am, also at Wade Family Funeral Home. Wilford will be laid to rest at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery and a brief committal service will be held Thursday, September 12 at 1:00pm where military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring Wilford’s memory with a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project (click here to donate now) or Homes For Our Troops (click here to donate now).

Though Wilford may have left this world, his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.