Raydeen "Ray" Hamilton Purl's Obituary
Raydeen “Ray” Hamilton Purl, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Richardson, Texas on November 26, 2017 at the age of 91. Ray was born in Weslaco, Texas on July, 15, 1926 and was the only child to parents John and Vada Purl. In July of 1947, Ray married Carine Bradford at the First Baptist Church Weslaco and they were blessed with a lifelong union of 70 years.While in Weslaco, Ray worked in the farming community, local water district and eventually became co-owner of Weslaco Farm Supply. After relocating to Richardson in 1972, he worked in auto parts distribution and as a factory representative.Ray was a WWII Navy veteran, serving from 1944 – 1946 in the Pacific theater aboard the troop carrier USS Lavaca, ferrying Army and Marine troops among Philippine islands. He achieved the rank of Water Tender 3rd Class – Engine Room Force. When his ship crossed the 180th Meridian he became a member of the Imperial Domain of the Golden Dragon; and, when they traveled across the equator, he became a member of the Ancient Order of the Deep. Ray served an additional 2 years as part of the Naval Reserve, completing his service in 1948. Ray was proud of his time in the service, and never forgot the hardships, perilous conditions, and persons he served with.Having led a Christ-centered life, Ray was a member of First Baptist Church Weslaco and since moving to Richardson was a long-standing member of The Heights Baptist Church at the time of his passing.Ray was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, even building his own blinds and reloading rifle, pistol and shotgun shells. He had an interest in aviation, earning a private pilot’s license. He was highly skilled at many other endeavors from woodworking, mechanics, electronics and butchery to cooking and sewing. One of Ray’s closest companions and comforts in recent years was his dog, Sam. Sam was adopted from a rescue shelter, and in turn Sam rescued Ray from the grief of having lost his son, David.Ray is survived by his wife Carine B Purl of Richardson, Texas, daughter Linda K Mahan of Edinburg, Texas, son Terry A Purl of Lone Oak, Texas, and daughters-in-law Marsha Purl, Laura Purl, and Merlla Scott. He is also survived by six grandchildren – Shannon, Lyndsey, Megan, Cory, Dayna and Britainy; and, six great grandchildren – Cameron, Anthony, McKinley, Aiden, Averey and Michael Ray. In addition, he leaves behind a large, close and supportive extended family. Ray was preceded in death by his grandson Jason D Mahan and son David R Purl.Donations in Ray’s memory can be made to The Heights Baptist Church for the Promise Home Orphanage in Honduras by mail to 201 W. Renner Rd, Richardson, TX 75080 or online at http://www.theheights.org/give-online/.The family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 10:00AM, with a funeral service to begin at 11:00AM at Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, TX. Graveside service to follow at Restland Cemetery.
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