Horace PURIFOY

March 26, 1931 - July 1, 2018

Mr. Horace Purifoy, age 87, of Camden, Arkansas departed this earthly domain on Sunday July, 1, 2018 at 4:12 am surrounded by his loving family and friends as he transitioned from labor to reward at Baylor-Scott Hospital in Carrollton, Texas. Horace Purifoy was born on March 26, 1931, in Camden Arkansas to the late Louis and Gertrude Purifoy. His legacy began on a rural family farm during a time the country was reeling from the Great Depression of 1930.
In his early years Horace attended Mt. Zion School, a one room segregated school, until as a young boy he began working in the pulp wood industry with his father to help support the family. Despite his limited education, Horace went on to earn a living as a professional welder. He was also subsequently successful as an early entrepreneur engaging in trucking, catering, and later a heavy metal recycling business.
In May of 1949 Horace married his first wife, the late Catherine (Harris) Purifoy. This union branched six children, three sons Horace Edward Jr of St Petersburg, Fl, Larry Purifoy of Vacaville, CA, Lonnie Purifoy (deceased); three daughters Carolyn Purifoy and Mary Purifoy both of Los Angeles, CA, and Danyel Watson of Clearwater, FL.
In the spring of 1965 Horace met his second wife Alzadia Purifoy as she was walking down Highway 24 with her brother Benjamin in tow on her way to the pharmacy. He offered her a ride in his clean 1962 White Renault Duaphine and as they say, “the rest is history”. On November 7, 1965 Horace and Alzadia married in Camden, AR where they lived until moving to California in February 1966. Married for 52 years, this union branched 14 children; six sons Horries Purifoy Jr. of Rialto, CA, Alvin (Jennifer) Purifoy of Plymouth, MN, Kendrick (Tashina) Purifoy of Perris, CA, Dallas (Jennifer) Purifoy of San Jose, CA, Deven Purifoy of Riverside, CA, and Michael Purifoy of San Francisco, CA; eight daughters Melissa Purifoy of Sherman, TX, Tracy (Finis) Ross of Corona, CA, Teresa (Michael) Zuber of Carrollton, TX, Adrienne (Keenan) McClellan of Surprise, AZ, Rebecca Haley of Riverside, CA, Melodie Purifoy of Grand Prairie, TX, Kristina (David) Daniels of Moreno Valley, CA, and Kristin Purifoy of Grand Prairie, TX.
In September of 1970 Horace’s second birth occurred, accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at Macedonia Church of God In Christ in Compton, CA under the leadership of Elder Walter Fletcher. He served as the Assistant Pastor for 17 years at New Lively Hope COGIC under Elder Lloyd Gilbert Compton CA and as District Superintendent of the Perris CA District under the leadership of BF Gordon, Pasadena CA. Later Horace was called into the pastoring ministry where he established Antioch Church of God in Christ in Lynnwood, CA. He served throughout Southern California under the late Bishop S.M. Crouch. Horace was faithfully dedicated and committed to the church. He was ordained as an elder and served as a superintendent until retiring and moving back to Camden, Arkansas to spend his retirement years.
He leaves to celebrate his legacy, his wife Alzadia Purifoy, all of his sons and daughters, over 54 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, his brothers and sisters Felton Purifoy, Louis (Emma) Purifoy, Harry T. Purifoy, Christine Yarborough, Estella (Roland) Wilson all of Camden, AR, Trudell Ofield of Sherwood, AR, Carrie (Charles) Ashley of Hot Springs, AR, John Purifoy (Gloria) of Perris, CA, Lawrence Purifoy of Kentucky, and Lloyd (Cynthia) Purifoy of Oak Hills, CA, and a host of relatives and friendships developed along his earthly journey.

Contributed on 2/24/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1472749

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