Clifton ‘Tom’ Purcell, 87, a retired welder for Hoover Ball and Bearing, widower of Wilma Marie Williamson Purcell, passed away Monday, July 15, 2019, at home. He was born August 21, 1931, in Mason County, son of the late Charles ‘Bud’ and Jennie Lucas Purcell. Tom (Shorty) was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War and a long-time employee of farming friend, Buddy Rankin. He enjoyed time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren, raising his feathered animals and softball games on Saturday nights.

Preceding him in death was a daughter, Sherri Leggett and a son, James Thomas Purcell. He is survived by son, Cliff (Susan) Purcell , daughters Ginny (Larry) Gray, Teresa Abner and Alice Amburgey; twelve grandchildren, Heather (Mike) Duffy, Amy (LP) Poole, Jason (Julie) Purcell, Kolbe Purcell, Cynthia (Eric) DeGroote, Bobby (Kara) Gray, Thomas (Meagan) Gray, Pam (Ricky) Carter, John (DeeDee) Abner, Brittney Abner, Rocky (Carol Ann) Amburgey and Brandy Amburgey. Tom is also survived by 31 great grandchildren, a brother William (Bill) Purcell and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Bobby and Thomas Gray, Rocky Amburgey, John Abner, Chris Bruno, and Cliff Purcell. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Purcell, Frank Purcell, Grayson Nickels, Larry Gray and Buddy Rankin. Visitation scheduled at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home followed by service beginning at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. John Arnold. Burial will be in the Paris Cemetery.