Buddy Purvis (right) sits with Commissioner Bob Willis. Willis and Purvis were longtime friends.
A Life of Service, Buddy Purvis Passes Away, CORRIGAN, January 14, 2010 - Having finally retired just over a year before his death, James J. "Buddy" Purvis spent his entire life serving others. Purvis passed away at 9:15 pm on January 13, 2010 at a hospice facility in Lufkin. Purvis had a reputation for being as tough as nails. A combat veteran having served in the Korean War, Purvis was honorably discharged from 3 different branches of the US Military. After serving in the military, Purvis came home to serve his community, first as a constable starting in 1955 and remained a constable until 1968. Purvis then served as a Deputy from 1969 - 1972 and again as a constable from 1973 - 1975. In his final occupation for Polk County, Purvis served as Commissioner for Precinct 3 from 1977 - 2008.
Purvis embraced Polk County, Texas and was particularly fond of the Corrigan area. He worked diligently to bring services and resources to the area, especially the elderly and disabled. The County facility in Corrigan which offices was named in his honor (the James J. "Buddy" Purvis Health and Human Services Building).
At his retirement in November of 2008, Purvis took the humble approach and said that he was "..very lucky and very blessed..." when friends and family gathered in his honor. At his retirement, Buddy was quick to heap praise on his son, Milt and told folks that they'll be proud to call Milton Purvis their Commissioner.
Purvis was present when his son, Milton Purvis was sworn in to fill his seat in January 2009. With his grandsons present, Purvis called it "The happiest day of his life".
There will be a viewing from 5 pm - 7 pm at Cochran Funeral home on January 15, 2010. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Corrigan at 10 am on January 16, 2010.
Commissioner Buddy Purvis (Picture taken in 1984).
Seemingly symbolic: The day after Buddy passed away the day in Corrigan was overcast and gray. (Pictured is the Commissioner's Office that Purvis occupied for 31 years).
The Log Hog was one of Purvis' favorite places to spend time.
A Corrigan Guy. Buddy Purvis at a Corrigan Bulldog football game.
January 14, 2010: The sign at the road and bridge office still bears Buddy Purvis' name.
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