A Salute To Our Service, Fire & Police Personnel - October 2017  

WILLIAM VERNON PURCELL, Jr.
   U.S. NAVY,
World War II

William Vernon Purcell, Jr., was born in Charlotte County, Va. on  May 28, 1925; the son of William Vernon and Ruth Hatchell Purcell, Sr.  He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Randolph Henry High School. With the nation at war William decided to serve his country in the U. S. Navy.  After boot camp he was assigned to the U.S.S. Crux (named after the constellation Crux) AK-115, a Crater-classed cargo ship, which was commissioned to deliver troops, goods and equipment in support of the war in the Pacific Theater.

 His commitment to his country and community was evident after his war service as he settled back into life and work in his native Charlotte County where he spent the rest of his life as a successful dairy farmer.  He married Miss Lucille Blanks and the couple enjoyed 63 years together.  He was quite active in the Charlotte County  Farm Bureau for over 47 years, 31 of those as president.

He also served as President in the local Ruritan Club.

He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, serving in St. John's Lodge  No. 144 for  over 63 years.

He was a lifelong member of Lebanon United Methodist Church.

William passed away on October 30, 2015 and was interred in the family cemetery on his farm, Oak Hill.

Thank you for your service.