Obituary of Paul D. Purnell, Jr.

Paul D. Purnell, Jr. was born on September 10, 1981 at Wilmington General Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware to Paul D. Purnell Sr. and Edna L. Davis. He peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to eternal life in heaven on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.

Paul or Paul-Paul as he was so affectionately called, attended public schools in the Colonial School District. Paul grew up in church and began his involvement singing in the children’s choir at Refuge Temple Deliverance Church. In his early years, Paul developed a passion for playing the drums and began playing for his aunt and uncle at the age of eight. A couple years later, he started playing the drums at his home church, Church on the Rock. Paul played the drums for the adult choir at church and eventually went on to play for a local Delaware group called Eternity founded by his cousin Raymond Purnell Sr. Throughout his life, Paul played with many musicians from Delaware, Chester, Philadelphia and beyond the tri-state area, as well as many gospel artists, including David and Tamala Mann.

Paul loved to surround himself in good company and be supportive in any way he could. Although Paul was faced with many challenges of his own with his health, he continued to share his passion of playing the drums with the world, playing for groups like Xtra Alta, Richard Raw and the Word Warrior Band, and many more. He would encourage younger musicians to follow their dreams and talents.

Paul got married to his loving wife on May 20, 2015. He was a chef in the kitchen for his wife and family. He also enjoyed walks in the park with his youngest daughter and son as well as family movie night. One of his favorite things to do with his son is build Legos. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time with his cousins. Paul also enjoyed watching wrestling, music, football, basketball, being in church, fishing, and lifting weights as a teen. He loved to laugh and joke around which naturally cause others to laugh and joke too. Paul loved to eat, as all Purnells do. As his health issues continued, Paul underwent a series of treatments. He was determined to overcome. He lost weight, conditioning his mind and body for the journey of hope to see it through. Paul loved his family, friends, and community. His enduring love for them and their accomplishments were his passion.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Thisa Purnell; his mother Edna Davis, his father Paul D. Purnell Sr., his step-mother Christine Purnell, 3 step-daughters: Faith Crain of Wilmington, Delaware, Hope Price of Charlotte, North Carolina and Yamani Denise Brice; one step-son: Joziah Noah Lewis Brice; 2 sisters TyEtta Davis (Lamont) and Tonya Davis and a host of step-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Lovingly Submitted, The Family