of Little Rock, AR
May 27, 1925 - August 15, 2008
George Miles Purvis, 83, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 15, 2008. George was born and spent his early boyhood years in Des Arc. It was on the White River he learned to fish and on the plains of Prairie County he developed his love for squirrel and duck hunting. The Purvis Family moved to Little Rock when he was about ten years old.
George graduated from Central High School, answered his country's call to serve in World War II and began his education preparing for Navel duty by attending Officer Training at Notre Dame in South Bend. His wartime service as an Ensign was spent aboard ship in the Pacific. He attended A&M at Monticello, Louisiana Tech at Ruston and graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife Management and a MS. in Wildlife Management.
George joined the Game and Fish Commission after graduation and quickly advanced to the position of Chief of Information of that agency. During his thirty-six year career, he served under all five Game & Fish Commission Directors developing its magazine, newsletter and other publications. He also produced several movies on hunting and fishing during this period. His career work days and years were spent crisscrossing Arkansas giving hundreds of speeches annually to civic clubs, church groups, school classes and sportsmen's gatherings as he gladly shared his awareness of all forms of hunting & fishing in Arkansas. He served for two years as Director of the Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation after he retired. At one time he wrote a monthly column for the sports magazine "Outdoor Life". His wildlife photographs are still seen in the sports pages of the Democrat-Gazette and gracing the pages of many pictorial books on Arkansas. An accomplished artist, his paintings, particularly of magnolia blossoms, grace homes all over Arkansas.
George became Mr. Arkansas Outdoors to a whole generation of young Arkansans, and their parents for whom his popular radio and television shows were weekly entertainment highlights. All together he was on television 26 years.
George was inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
George's personal code of ethics and the example of his daily life is an inspiration for all of us who knew and loved him.
George was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 70 years. He sang in the choir for over 50 years and taught Sunday School for over 40 years. He and his brother, V.O., were the only brothers to each serve as Chairman of Deacons at Immanuel.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Laura Belle Baker Purvis, and his brother, V.O. Purvis.
He is survived by his son, Bob Purvis of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; daughter Neva Purvis Robertson of Klawock, Alaska; daughter Sara Purvis Brown of Little Rock; grandchildren Dr. Jennifer Purvis, George William Purvis, Eric Robertson, Stuart Robertson, Laura Kaye Brown, Andrew Brown, his fiancée, Judith Gray; and one sister, Sue Purvis Woosey.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, Library Fund, 501 N. Shackleford, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.
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58 Condolence(s)
William J/ (Billy Joe) Miles
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My memories of George go back about 75 years when I walked from Mrs. Lightcaps' kindergarten just a half a block away from the home of George and his family. George and his sister Sue took care of me, backed by Aunt Jessie and sometimes Uncle (V.O.) Purvis.Those are very fond years to me. George was in the early stage of learning what he would do in life, and what a great life that turned out to be. He was a fine man who never met a stranger. George and I grew apart because of jobs, remote families, etc. But we remained close despite the miles between us. I will miss knowing that George was there if I needed him.
Marilyn Archer
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
We were saddened to learn of George's death. May God bless you richly during these difficult days. The family of the late Frank T. Brodie -Ralph G. Brodie; Hazel Gray Brodie, Marilou Brodie and Marilyn Brodie Archer
Brendan Cleary
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Aunt Judith, my thoughts are with you. It was a pleasure knowing George, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his many interesting stories and yarns.
All my love,
Brendan Cleary
Ryan cleary
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Aunt Judith,
What i will remember about George is his wonderful art and fabulous personality. i know he was a great friend to you. Take care of yourself and I ligt a candle for him in the Basilica.
Shannon Cleary
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Auntie Judith,
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. George was always kind and had a wonderful heart. He will be sorely missed.
All our love.
Shannon, Leanne and girls.
Ronald and Catherine Fuell
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My God be with you in your time of need. He was a fine man.
Joe
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Although I never knew or met him, I grew up watching Mr. Purvis on television. Seeing his face here has brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. My most sincere condolences to Mr. Purvis's family.
H Keith de Noble
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
May God Bless the entire family as you go about remembering all the fine memories George gave us all.
April Williams
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Bob---Your family is our thoughts and prayers.
Carla Blasingame
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
ms judith i am sorry to here about mr george my thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. He will truly be missed.
Carla Blasingame
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Words can not express how much i will miss mr george. I know him from when i worked at the Little Rock Convention Center and he would come there with the rotery club and mostly to bring ms judith to work and lunch and pick her up in the afternoons. When i moved to Cabot and began working at Wal-Mart he would always come in after dropping ms judith off at the beauty shop. He was so kind and thoughtful and he will truly be missed. It was an honoring in knowing him and just talking with him. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and to ms judith.
Joe Raley
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Joel Humphrey
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I grew up watching Mr. Purvis on "Arkansas Outdoors" every Saturday night. Fast forward twenty years and I waited on him regularly when I was employed at a local bank. He was as kind and gentle of a man that I have ever met. It was an honor and a pleasure to have known him. All sportsmen in Arkansas owe Mr. Purvis a great debt, and I believe that he is with his Lord and Savior right catching his limit!!!
Sherry McGinley
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My prayers are that the all of the family be comforted and that you feel peace in your heart during the loss of your dear George Miles Purvis.
Sincerely,
Sherry McGinley
Bank of Eureka Springs
Vernon Dutton
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Judith, We are so sorry ot hear of George's passing away. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Vernon & Nancy Dutton
Grant Jordan
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sara, Chuck and family,
We mourn with you in your loss, and we celebrate with you in the life and the "life after life" of the wonderful man that your "dad" was and is. The Immanuel Family was blessed by the service of George Purvis... and we know that legacy will continue thru you and your family.
Grace and Peace,
The Jordan Family
Employees and Directors of Bank of Eureka Springs
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Bob, Jennifer and George,
Upon reading the article of your Father and Grandfather one realizes what contributions Mr. Purvis made in his lifetime. What an inspiration he has made to you as evidenced by your love of the Great Outdoors.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ike and Billie Geurin Sharp
Monday, August 18, 2008
Our prayers are with you.
Rick & Paula Doss
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dear Sara and Family,
How sad we were to hear about your dad, What a celebration there must be in heaven! We have such fond memories of both your mom and dad from our early years at Immanuel in the choir. They always had smiles and kind words for Rick and me and we have such sweet memories of them. May God put His arms around you and provide you with His strength and peace. All of you are in our prayers.
Love,
Rick & Paula
Wayne Boyce
Monday, August 18, 2008
George was one of only three Honorary Members of the Newport Rotary Club. (The other two were Baseball Hall of Famer George Kell and Senator Robert Harvey.) George presented the program at the Rotary Club the first week in March for over 25 years.
Ginny Belotti
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sara,
You and your family are in our daily thoughts and prayers. Rico remembered your dad from his years on television and his work with the Arkansas Game and Fishing Commission.
Thinking of you!
Ginny and Rico Belotti
Wm.R.Cranford
Monday, August 18, 2008
When I was in college,I worked as a TV Camerman two years in 1961-63 at KARK-TV . I worked "Arkansas Outdoors" every Saturday evening for about 15 min. George was one of our favorite people to work with. I have never forgotten the kind, good person he was to all of us. He was truly a great man.God Bless him and all his family.
Mary Anne and Charlie Roscopf
Monday, August 18, 2008
Judith: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and George's Family. George was a great Arkansan, and one who will .long remain in our hearts and memories. We've lost a wonderful friend.
Delwin Slater
Monday, August 18, 2008
We are praying for you.
Danny Thomason
Monday, August 18, 2008
George was one of the finest men I have ever known.
Generous, kind, compassionate, interesting, encouraging-just a few of the adjectives I could use to describe this wonderful godly man. Earth's loss is heaven's gain.
I have hanging in my office a beautiful painting of a magnolia blossom George painted for me just a few months ago. I will treasure it always.
Sarah and Nita-how proud you must be of the life your Dad and Mom lived. My deepest sympathy to you both.
And Judith, thanks for being such a wonderful friend and companion to George. I know you will miss him greatly.
Sincerely,
Danny Thomason
Thurman & Sandra Booth
Monday, August 18, 2008
George was a great man ! He was a wonderful Christian who had many talents and used them wisely. He was better known than any other Arkansan in the fish and wildlife management profession. I am honored to have been his friend.
Linda Corrigan
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sara,
I am so sorry to hear the news. I am keeping all of you in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.
Love ya,
Linda Corrigan
Rita Friend
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad and the fishing shows he did on tv. We all are thinking of you. Rita Friend, Carver Magnet Elem.
Ben Pearson
Monday, August 18, 2008
We, the Pearson family, extend our greatest sympathy to Judith and the Purvis family .
We have been blessed to have George as our friend.
Diane Wahlquist
Monday, August 18, 2008
NEVA,
MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER.
THINKING OF YOU,
DIANE WAHLQUIST
Carol Utley
Monday, August 18, 2008
Judith,
Lewis and I were out of town until last night and we were so sad to learn about George upon our return. Please know that we are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
George was a wonderful soul and gentle man admired by many and you were such a great couple. As you and his family adjust to life in his absence, we sincerely hope that precious memories of so many happy times together will bring you a measure of comfort and peace.
Let us know if we can ever do anything to help. We are a phone call away.
Sincerely,
Carol
Philip Kaplan
Monday, August 18, 2008
George was the most gentle and kind of men. A wonderful example of how to live ones life.
Lucinda McDaniel
Monday, August 18, 2008
I met Mr. Purvis through Judith Gray and want to pass on my sincere sympathy to Judith and the entire Purvis family.
Paula Harvie
Monday, August 18, 2008
Judith,
I was so sorry to hear about George as we had just been together for the 4th of July. My memories are all interwoven with smiles, deer, rabbits, turkeys and fields of flowers. My fondest smile is George walking a quarter of mile to look at the purple blackeye Susans only to discover cone flowers. I have my wonderful art gallery thanks to George and it will hang on my wall for a very long time.
I wanted to let you know that I am here for you at any time you need me - just to listen, or to talk. I already told you this, but I wanted to say it again. Please, don't hesitate to call me at home or work.
Today we have another angel in Heaven.
With much love always,
Paula
Darris Grant
Monday, August 18, 2008
I'm sorry for your lost. During my childhood I did like watching him on TV.
Darris & Cynthia Grant
Paula Harvie
Monday, August 18, 2008
Judith,
I was so sorry to hear about George as we had just been together for the 4th of July. My memories are all interwoven with smiles, deer, rabbits, turkeys and fields of flowers. My fondest is George walking a quarter of mile to look at the purple blackeye Susans only to discover cone flowers. I have my wonderful art gallery thanks to George and it will hang on my wall for a very long time.
I wanted to let you know that I am here for you at any time you need me - just to listen, or to talk. I already told you this, but I wanted to say it again. Please, don't hesitate to call me at home or work.
Today we have another angel in Heaven.
With much love always,
Paula
Suellen DiMassimo
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sara, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I called a friend of mine to see if her father knew your father and he did. He only had kind and wonderful things to say about him. My prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Lou and Harry Truman Moore
Monday, August 18, 2008
We'll miss George's big handshakes, his bigger smile, his words of encouragement and support, and all the wonderful things he did for our special friend, Judith.
Terri
Monday, August 18, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss.
MaryAnne Karam Williams
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dear Sara &Neva,
My prayers are with you and your families.
The kindness and friendship your parents showed all during my life at Immanuel was an inspiration. Every Wednesday night they always saved a seat for me at prayer meeting supper. If I ever needed anything, all I had to do was ask Laura Belle. That purse of hers contained everything one could possibly need or want in an emergency.
There are too many kindnesses to enumerate here, but I want you to know how much your father was loved and appreciated. I hope to share them with you in person soon.
In Christ's Love,
MaryAnne
Susan Crosby
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dear friends,
I was so sorry to read of your dad's death. Please know that you are in my prayers. Sarah, I would love to hear from you.
Susan Crosby
Alice Browning
Monday, August 18, 2008
Bob, Neva, and Sarah-
I was so sorry to hear about your father's death. Mr. Purvis hired me 27 years ago in I&E. He, Dick Gregory and I had so much fun. Mostly, Dick and I trying to get something over on your father. Don't know if you ever heard about hunting Armadillos and putting them in a pink tote sack or the man who wanted to hunt on the right or left of Anderson Minnow Farms. I left I&E right after your father retired and have had a great career with AGFC and I know that my start working with Mr. Purvis got me on the right track.
One of my most prized possessions is a Magnolia painting that he gave me several years ago.
You are in my prayers, but I know you know that he has begun his most exciting journey.
Alice Browning
Carol Wakeham and Lorraine Gillespie
Monday, August 18, 2008
Judith; our thoughts and prayers are with
you as you mourn the sudden passing of
George. We will keep you in prayer over
this difficult time.
This lovely quote says it all:
“What you leave behind is not what is
engraved in stone monuments, but what
is woven into the lives of others.” ~Pericles
Judith, please take comfort in knowing
your friends are thinking of you.
Carol and Lorraine
jack atkins
Monday, August 18, 2008
Mr. Purvis was a wonderful friend to my Father, and has been so kind to stay in touch with me over the years since my Fathers death. Such a gentleman, sportsman, Christian and inspiration to generations of young people who became Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts. We who knew him were indeed blessed.
Brenda Dorman
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sara and family,
I want you to know how much I love you and am praying for you during this time of sudden grief. What a blessing to know that WE WILL be together again! What a reunion your dad and mom must be having rejoicing in the presence of our LORD and Savior! Susie Daniel emailed me and I read the email late yesterday! Gene had to be rushed to the ER Friday morning with Pancreatitis. He was admitted and we hope he gets to come home tomorrow. Please know that I will continue to uplift you all in my thoughts, heart and prayers for God's comfort! In Christ's Love, Brenda
Lesley Ann Hickey
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Dear Judith:
So sorry to hear of George's sudden passing. Please pass on our condolences to his family. We are so glad we were able to spend time with you both on your recent visit to Newfoundland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Larry and Lesley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
steve n wilson
Sunday, August 17, 2008
From my earliest memories, George was the face and voice of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Word got around to the family if George was going to be on the Tom Mull show on Sat. evening and we all watched. George was a "bigger than life" visitor to our family renunions(his wife and my mother were cousins).His long tenure on T.V. has to be a record in our state.
His stature in Arkansas was no less in our family. When I was hired as Director of AGFC in 1979, my mother called around Batesville and said that I'd gone to work for George.
George and I spend a lot of canoe time together fishing for bass and crappi. He would always bring lunch and it almost always included an avacado with mayo.
One of Georges greatest efforts at AGFC was getting the amendment on the ballot for the eighth cent sales tax-over 80,000 .
Bob,Neva and Sara are in our prayers.
Doug and Sandra Manning
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Judith, So sorry to hear the sad news about George.I am so glad that we managed to spend an eveing together while you were at home in Newfoundland.We had such fun and I do hope George enjoyed himself. Although we didn`t know him very well.he was a really nice man and we were very happy to see him again. Please know our love ,thoughts and prayers are with you.Hope to see you again soon.
Love, Doug and Sandra.
Rhonda Kay Finnigan Barber ILYJ
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bob, Neva, & Sarah,
This past week my granddaughter (a newly elected cheerleader, following in her Nana's steps, and proud to do so) and I were pouring over boxes of my high school memoirs. Of course the Purvis family was deeply a part of my time at Central and at University Baptist Church. It was a sweet time with her relating many tender moments when my life intertwined with your family's. We went to Central High and I showed her the band room, where the band sat at Quigley stadium, where we cheered near the pond......... and of course, the recollections of visiting your Baker grandparents. So incredibly this past week, your family has been near my thoughts.
Today my mom and brother informed me of George's passing. It is a sad time, but I do keep in mind he has been escorted into the presence of Jesus.........and dear Laura Bell.
Your parents gave you all such a fabulous foundation for many generations to build upon. I always could feel the passion your father had for creation.............which obviously passed on to Bob (recalling your Mom's generously allowing you to have cages of pet snakes in your room!) She was a great example to me in mothering. I recall her sewing Sarah's doll to patch up a little girl's broken heart.
George spoke at a camp I attended, as usual greatly enamered with nature. He always supported whatever you kids were "into." What a treasure to have that 'come along side' mentor for a daddy! Just wondering how many Boy Scout events he attended!
One endearing moment was when Laura Bell told me I could be included with your family for the pot luck dinner at church...........I had nothing to bring, and she, being sensitive to the situation, graciously offered this solution.
Your parents gave me a surprise graduation party, for which I have never forgotten that kindness. At my wedding..............Laura Bell was a server at the cake table.
I always felt so included and loved by each of you, and your parents were such an inspiration to me. In God's kindness He allowed me to see from the inside, the workings of a very fine, fine family..............one of the finest on earth. I have nothing but warm and tender memories of you all.
My love and prayers and gratefullness for knowing you all are sent today.........and always. The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Rhonda Kay Finnigan Barber ILYJ
MARYANN FORREST
Sunday, August 17, 2008
TO SARA AND HER FAMILY,
NEVA AND HER FAMILY,
ONE OF MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IS WATCHING YOUR DAD ON TV WITH MY GRANDPARENTS AND MOM. HE ALWAYS HAD SUCH WONDERFUL STORIES, BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND WORDS OF WISDOM FOR US. HIS LOVE OF NATURE WAS CLEAR, EVEN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL IN HIS MAGNOLIA PAINTINGS. YOU HAVE RICH MEMORIES TO TREASURE FOREVER.
MARYANN AND JEFF
Robert and Georgianna Cochran
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Robert said he used to watch your dad every Saturday. Sara, I know he will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family. Just know that we love you, and if there is anything we can do, just let us know. Your neighbor, Robert and Georgianna
Richard Robinson
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I grew up listening and watching Mr. Purvis talk about the beautiful wildlife and outdoors of Arkansas. It was sad to hear of his passing.
Diane and J.R. Gerrald
Sunday, August 17, 2008
J.R. and I were humbled and honored to have a giant among men, George, as our friend. George was family. We will always have our remembrances of that friendship each time we see a full moon, hear the cliche "what's for dinner" or "have you heard the one"...We will miss his never ending stories, hardy laughter, his renderings from the beauty of this earth with the ease of his hand guiding the canvas with magnificent paintings, and that huge bear hug. Our hearts are broken. But as we looked out last night at that glowing full moon, we knew George was looking down on us. Our heartfelt sympathy and love to Judith and family.
Tommy Helms
Sunday, August 17, 2008
My prayers are with you in celebrating and honoring the wonderful life of Mr. Purvis. What a great life he lived, having a positive impact on so many people!
He leaves an important legacy in his photography, art, film, and writing that will not be forgotten. Most importantly, he leaves a legacy of wonderful children and grandchildren who, like him, are a blessing to all who know them.
May our Lord bless you and comfort you in your loss.
Tommy
Joyce Bobbitt
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Judith,
I have no words to express my feelings but you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry for your loss. I will always see George sitting in one of the old brown leather chairs in the old Bar Center Building painting his beautiful magnolias while waiting on you to finish work. I will also always treasure the flower painting he gave me for my 20th anniversary with the Bar Association. He was an extremely sweet man and you were blessed to have him in your life. My love to you.
Joyce
Debbie Watts
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Sara and family, so sorry to hear about your dad.
May God give you the peace and comfort that only He can.
God Bless,
Debbie
Matt and Lori Diffey
Saturday, August 16, 2008
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. George was such a neat guy. He will be missed. May God help you through this time of sorrow. We love you.
James Calhoun
Saturday, August 16, 2008
I am one of those who grew up hearing, seeing on TV and reading the articles by Mr. Purvis. He is certainly one of a passing generation.
God Bless Your Family,
James Calhoun