Anthony “Tony” L. Purvis

September 12, 1953 - September 30, 2010
Anthony “Tony” L. Purvis


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Anthony Larkin “Tony” Purvis, 57, of Wilmington lost a long and brave battle to cancer Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Tony was born and raised in Columbus County, served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era, resided in Wilmington, and worked for International Paper Company for the past 35 years. Tony worked hard, played hard, served his country, loved the Lord, and was a great dad, a loving son, a loyal friend, a supportive boss, and a good neighbor.

Tony is survived by his wife of 36 years, Helen; his children Shawn Purvis and wife Sara of Clinton, Jon Purvis and wife Lisa of Chapel Hill, and Kyle Purvis of Wilmington; his miracle grandchildren, Josh and Anna Purvis of Clinton, his parents, Buddy and Beverly Purvis of Riegelwood, his sister, Lynn Sears of Evington, VA, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who will miss him terribly. To us, 57 years wasn’t nearly long enough, but we take comfort in knowing he lived every day to the fullest.

Visitation will be Monday, October 4, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 5 at 2:00 PM at Long Leaf Baptist Church in Wilmington. There will be a one-hour viewing period prior to services. Interment will follow at the Riegelwood Baptist Church cemetery in Riegelwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Long Leaf Baptist Church, Riegelwood Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • October 04, 2010
    Karen Pogue says:
    May God comfort you and give you the strenth you need to get through this sad time of grief. Love Karen

  • October 01, 2010
    Ron Faggart says:
    To the family and friends of US Navy Veteran, ET-3 Tony Purvis, Please know that we, of the Patriot Guard of NC send our most humble and sincere condolences in this time of loss of a dear friend and loved one. We will humbly stand for Tony as he stood for us. We thank you family for allowing us to show honor and respect for Tony as he begins his heavenly journey. May you have fair winds and following seasto carry this sailor home. Ron Faggart, State Captain, Patriot Guard of NC.

  • October 01, 2010
    paul rockwell says:
    Tony, was a very special friend, I have worked with him for the past 33 years and I will miss him. may God Bless and comfort his family during this time of sorrow. Paul Rockwell & family

  • October 04, 2010
    Sherry Wise says:
    Mr. Buddy, Ms. Beverly & Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Tony. It breaks my heart that you are going through this, but I know that God is holding you and your family in His arms and is always there to comfort you. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. Love you, Sherry

  • October 04, 2010
    Gail Wise says:
    My prayers are with you during this time of grief. God Bless you!