Commissioner Buddy Purvis humbly thanks friends, family and supporters at retirement gathering.
Buddy Purvis (standing) and Wayne Powell graduated from the Police Academy together in 1973.
After a Life of Public Service, Commissioner Purvis to Retire, CORRIGAN, November 8, 2008 - Road & Bridge, Precinct 3 Commissioner, James "Buddy" Purvis will retire in January and turn over the Commissioner's Office to his son, Milton Purvis, who was elected by voters to replace the retiring commissioner. Purvis is retiring after a little over 50 years of service to Polk County (32 as Commissioner). In addition to service to Polk County, Purvis is a veteran of the Korean War and served in the ARMY, Marines, and Air Force. Purvis was elected 8 consecutive times to the office of Commissioner. On Saturday, November 8, Friends and family gathered for a retirement party in Purvis' honor at the VFW Hall in Corrigan. Among others in attendance were County Judge John Thompson, Precinct 1 Commissioner Bob Willis, Sheriff Hammack, Molly Locke, Commissioner Elect Milton Purvis, Joel Bennett and a surplus of other friends and family. Barbecue was served by the Chevy Cookers out of Corrigan. Purvis gave a speech and expressed how fortunate he felt to have been able to serve all these years. Purvis said: "It's been a pleasure to do this for so long, for this many years and not make anyone mad", the whole place erupted in laughter at Purvis' tongue in cheek humor. PolkCountyToday.com asked the retiring Commissioner what the best advice was that he could offer to the in-coming commissioner and he said "Oh Sh*t!". After Purvis' speech he received a standing ovation from the entire audience.
Buddy Purvis (right) with long time friend Commissioner Bob Willis
I am by no means saying "Good Bye", I am just saying I am going to slow down! I feel like I have been the luckiest man in the world for having 2 good women as wives. Charlene a wonderful lady, the mother of my two children (Lee Nan and Milt) passed away, and my beloved Terri Anne, who has loved and put up with me for 28 years. How was I this lucky? No one can explain. My children have been a blessing to me. I am lucky again; my son Milt and his wife Carla have given me two grandsons, Byrd and Jay Purvis. Luck was with me again; I got to work for you all, the greatest bosses ever for the last fifty years in different parts of public service. My, my very capable and able son will be taking the reins as Commissioner Precinct 3 on January 1, 2009. He'll take the position that I've held for the last 32 years. I had some good dogs and horses, more than two. The could not measure up to my expectations. I kept one good dog and one way or another got rid of the rest of the dogs and all the horses. Does this surprise any of you? I am very blessed to have had two long-term jobs; first serving my country in 3 branches of the military and then the BEST JOB IN THE WORLD, public service for the past fifty years for Polk County residents, thirty two as COMMISSIONER PCT. 3. I fought some hard battles with good men trying to unseat me, but you, my good friends and supporters never let me down. You sent me back to Livingston to represent you and all the resident of Pct. 3 knowing I was there for you because you were always there for me. Please know that my heart felt thanks goes out to you for your support.
Buddy Purvis surrounded by friends.
While I am bowing out of the political arena, I hope all of you know, my son Milt who is taking my seat on the Commissioners Court will do an excellent job of representing you and the Northern end of Polk County. Milt does not react to rumors or accusations but studies issues. He is educated is very level headed, cool tempered, and presents himself in an honorable manner. All these traits he got from me...He does not shout out, threaten, shoot people, dogs or horses (even those that do not comply with his way of doing things). He will serve and represent you with pride, honor, and dignity for many years as I sure hope that I have done. You will be proud of say: "MILT PURVIS; BUDDY'S SON, IS MY COMMISSIONER". I leave you with the best. Be as good to him as you have been to me. You are my friends, supporters, strength, and my get up and go and seem like my extended family. I love and appreciate all of you. Some of the time I would think (as I'm sure you have)...What in the heck is going on with me and Buddy?...Is this love or hate feeling? Again, thank you for your years of support and honoring me with the privilege of serving you as Commissioner Pct. 3. Forever you are and will be part of my life as I hope I will be part of yours and your family. Thank you for allowing me represent you all these good years. You have been bosses especially for not firing me. I appreciate you and your family for honoring me today. In closing, LET US ALL BOW IN A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER FOR EACH OTHER AND ESPECIALLY FOR OUR COUNTRY FACING THE MANY CRISIS CONFRONTING US. We need the entire blessing from above to cure each other and the many problems we are facing in our nation and wonderful country the beloved UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Milton Purvis (right) with Deputy County Clerk, Schelana Walker
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