Roy Purvis 93, passed away Tuesday October 28, 2025.  The Coffeeville, Alabama native was born to William Leonard and Eva Huggins Purvis. Roy had 5 siblings, including a twin brother.

Roy was sworn into US Naval service as a fireman. From there, he served aboard the USS Laertes AR-20. His tour of duty included being stationed in Sasebo, Japan and areas of South Korea. He received honors including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

Roy's civilian life after leaving the service included employment with the Surveying Drilling Company of Houston, Texas, where he was involved in drilling of oil wells in his home state of Alabama. This experience led to his interest of all aspects of well drilling, but with a focus on water wells and irrigation systems. Roy drilled his first water well in Alabama.

His career in water wells lead him to relocate to Jesup, GA where he founded Purvis Well & Pump in 1967. His well drilling career included drilling, installation, and maintenance of water wells and pumps throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Roy resided in Jesup, GA with his wife Janice of almost 71 years.  They are surrounded by a close network of family, including their children Kevin (Donna) Purvis of Statesboro and Martha (Howell) Clements of Odum; grandchildren Justin Lee, Maryn (Clay) Chandler, Christopher (Ashlyn) Purvis, Adam Purvis and Logan Purvis; great grandchildren, Callan and Ausley Chandler and Teddy Purvis, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Priutt officiating. Interment will follow in Odum City Cemetery with presentation of the U.S. Flag and Masonic Rites. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons and great grandson.

Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home

Memorials may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or to donate.shrinerschildren.org.

The family is so grateful to Southern Manor Senior Living of Statesboro, Ga. and Ralph Cowart and his compassionate staff for their excellent care.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.