William "Bill" Purcell of Natchez, Mississippi, was born in Illinois, the son of William Clarence and Cora Showers Purcell. He joined the Navy when a Senior in high school the spring of 1943 after being called to active duty at the age of 18. He went to South East Missouri College in the B-12 program for 2 years of college and then went to Mid-Shipman School in Notre Dame for 4 months commissioned to Ensign in 1945. He stayed in the Navy until August 1946 aboard the USS R.B. Anderson (destroyer) called back into services June 1951 as Lieutenant J.G. and spent two years aboard the USS Black 666 and then returned to private life in May 1953. He graduated from the University of Missouri in February of 1950 with a Forestry B.S. Bill was in World War II and Korean War. He was a member of Parkway Baptist Church and had worked for the Woodland Division International Paper Co. for 35 years.

Mr. Purcell died Monday, August 11, 2008 at Natchez Regional Medical Center.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Malcolm, George, Don, Dole, and Lewis Purcell and a sister Doris Neuchiller.

Survivors: wife of 57 years, Lela McCool Purcell of Natchez, MS;
Daughters, Debbie Foster and husband Forrest of Natchez, MS;
Karen Purcell of Natchez, MS;
Charllotte Hines and husband Richey of Madison, MS;
Grandchildren; Ashley Elveston, Taylor Foster, Alex Foster, Olivia Hines, Tori Hines and Hunter Hines;
Great Granddaughter, Braxtyn Elveston;
Sister, Helen Harbison of Little Rock, AR;

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation: 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home.