SSG Tommy George Purcell, age 89, of Trion, GA, died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at his residence.

SSG Purcell was born February 22, 1932, in Summerville, GA, son of the late Denton Purcell and Virgie York Coker.  He was a member of Living Waters Ministries.  Mr. Purcell was retired from the United States Army where he served as a Staff Sergeant.  He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, three Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sons, Jerry Grogan and Ricky Purcell; and his first wife, Amy Gurley Purcell.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva Pierce Purcell; sons, Mark (Lori) Grogan, James (Nancy) Grogan, and Roger Dale Whitaker; daughters, Faye (Donald) Hurley, Jean (Barry) Rollings, Angela (Robert) Siffles, and Donna (Gene) Curts; brother, Julian (Linda) Coker; sister, Pam Purcell; 15 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 31, 2022, at AMI Cemetery with Rev. Billy Wright officiating.  Active pallbearers will be Dale Whitaker, Colt Siffles, Barry Rollins, Robert Siffles, Jerry Crabtree, and James "Peanut" Grogan.  Honorary pallbearers will be employees at Jefferson's, the employees of Harbin Clinic Dialysis; members of the American Legion, and the staff at Hospice of Chattanooga.

SSG Purcell will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P.M. on Monday.

Due to the current health concerns for the community, those in attendance are asked to keep in mind the current guidelines and restrictions set forth by the C.D.C. as it pertains to social gatherings including the use of face masks and hand sanitizer.