Gerald "Jerry" Purnell

Gerald Anthony Purnell, age  82, of Canal Winchester, Ohio (formerly Huber Height), departed this life November 29, 2020.  This larger than life, generous man, known by most as Jerry, was loved and respected by all who met him.    Born May 11, 1938 to Daniel V. Purnell and Addie Stewart Purnell in Columbus, Ohio, Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt Martha Lash, his sister Martha Springs, brother Daniel Purnell, brother-in-laws Richard (Ellen) Kinchen and Albert (Martha) Springs, and uncle Wilbert (Martha) Lash.  Jerry is survived by  daughters, Christina Crump and Geralynn Crump; granddaughters, Tierra Crump and Ashley Crump; grandsons, Gerald Crump and Steven “Eriq” Burton; great-grandsons, Jaelen Crump, Jordan Crump, Kash Crump; great granddaughter’s, Amiyah Robinson and Karma Crump; sister, Ellen Purnell Kinchen; and sister-in-law, Karen (Daniel) Purnell.  Jerry left 14 nieces and nephews, a host of great nieces and nephews, honorary family including Pamela Schundelmier and Henrietta Crump and longtime companion, Ora M. Millner. After severing years for this country in the Air Force, Jerry worked as a Logistic Analyst at Wright Patterson Air Force Base for 26 years before retiring and making time for his true love of life, golfing.  Jerry was a member of Fairway Golf Club for over 50 years where he served as their Financial Secretary for over 25 years.  Jerry played golf with his friends Bill McDaniel, Rudy Duncan and Jim McKee every weekend for over 40 years and only stopped after his health didn’t allow it.  Their friendship remained strong up until the end.  Jerry lived the great life he created.  He was firm in his belief that education was the opportunity to unlock the world.  Even after obtaining several degrees, Jerry continued to audit classes at the local community college until his late 70s.  He didn’t hesitate to share all of his obtained knowledge with others; solicited or not.  Spend any time with him and you would leave with a little more knowledge than you came with.  While we will lament the physical loss, we will forever feel his presence through the love and generosity he so freely gave to us all. His robustious laugh is missed but will forever ring in our hearts. Family ask in lieu of flowers any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.act.alz.org/donate.