Jack Robert Purves, Sr.

Mr. Jack Robert Purves, Sr., 83, of Oak Ridge, NC, graduated to Heaven on Friday, January 9, 2026, passing peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 27, 1942, in Nassau County, New York, to the late David Stuart Purves and Dorothea Neems Packer.

Mr. Purves graduated from Massapequa High School on May 25th, 1961, after receiving his acceptance of enlistment into the Navy for Reserve Training in 1959. Jack proudly served in the United States Navy as a Signalman aboard the USS English and USS Tidewater, both Naval Destroyers, from 1961 to 1965. He had deployments to the Mediterranean supporting the 6th Fleet focusing on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and to the Atlantic Fleet supporting the Cuban Missile Crisis. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Bartoli, on April 14, 1962.

After serving in the Navy, Jack worked for the General Foods Corporation in White Plains, NY. In 1969, General Foods promoted and transferred him and his family to Suffolk, VA where he worked as a Division Manager. During this time, Jack accepted the Lord in 1973, and for the next three years while attending Nansemond River Baptist Church, he felt the Lord calling him into Pastoral service which led him on a new journey to North Carolina, where he attended Piedmont Bible College of Winston-Salem. He served as Pastor of West Bend Baptist Church in Lewisville, NC, for three years and continued serving the Lord in many capacities at Twin City Baptist Church and Oaklawn Baptist Church. His favorite ministry was traveling to churches and preaching sermons through his beloved chalk drawings.

In addition to his ministry, Jack had an expansive career in the trucking industry, working his way from Dispatcher to Operations Manager. He also operated a Lawn Service with many clients as a side business. He was truly a “Jack of All Trades;” and he especially loved woodworking.

Anyone who knew Jack knew him as a devoted husband and father who led his family by example with love and in the name of the Lord. He lived an Ephesians 4:32 life.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen Bartoli Purves, just shy of 47 years of marriage; his father, Stuart Purves; his mother, Dorthea Packer; his stepfather, George Chimenti; his brother, William Purves; and his second wife, Gail Purves.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jay Purves (Gina); two daughters, Patti-Anne Parnell (Kenneth) and Doreen Purves; nine grandchildren—Brandon Purves, Christopher Purves, Seth Parnell (Heather), Sean Goode (Meghan), Audrina Covert, Madison Reese (Fisher), Parker Purves, Josiah Parnell (Maren), and Ryann Purves; and fifteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Greg Purves, his sister, Catherine Chimenti (Ford); two brothers, George P. Chimenti Jr. and Christopher Chimenti; his stepmother, Karen Chimenti; and his stepsisters, Gina Zarowin (Claude) and Janice Schiano.

A funeral service will be held for Jack on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Pastor Seth Parnell (his grandson) officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family graveside burial will immediately follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park, with full military honors provided.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice (2504 Summit Ave. Greensboro, NC 27405).

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Jack Purves Sr. Both services will be live-streamed. Please see the link below.