Philip E Purcell Sr
Left suddenly and unexpectedly on November 21, 2019. He was born January 20, 1953 in New Orleans, LA to Ruth and Wally Purcell.
He spent the first part of his life in Toledo, Ohio graduating from Bowsher High School in 1971. He excelled in football and was a Golden Gloves Boxer. He met Sally Miller Purcell in 1970: his high school sweetheart and love of his life. They celebrated 42 years of marriage this past June. Father to Philip Jr (Amanda) and devoted Paw Paw to Ashlynn and Jacob “to whom he taught a lot things”. His sister Sharyn Purcell Fondren, a brother John, many nieces and nephews, sister and brother in laws, and friends survives him. His parents Ruth and Wally Purcell, and his sisters Patsy Purcell and Nina Eryse precede him in death.
He was a dedicated Dad, known to many as Coach or Big Phil mentoring and coaching soccer, baseball, basketball and football from Philip’s YMCA years to Ft Myers High School. His love of the water, diving, fishing and boating were contagious.
He owned a telecommunications company. His contributions to the NASA space program are just one of his many accomplishments. A storyteller with incredible life experiences, filled with adventure and humor always left people laughing. A kind heart helping anyone he saw in need.
God and his family were his priorities.
You now rest in God’s loving embrace whole again… and you will be missed beyond measure.
Services are private for immediate family.
The Salvation Army is his chosen charity.
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