William J. Purdue

Dr. William J. Purdue, age 87, of Jefferson City, TN, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN passed away on October 18, 2009 after an extended illness. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and also did work at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. He pastored churches in Fairview, Illinois and Kirkwood, Missouri, before coming to Kingsport, TN, where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Kingsport for 17 years. He then taught religion at Carson Newman College for 12 years and was the author of three books, ?When Clouds Hang Low?, ?You and God?, and ?Worship.? Preceded in death by his parents; and son, Bill Ray Purdue. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Purdue; son, Darrell and wife Lynn of Kidder, Missouri; daughter, Ann Purdue Bice of Jefferson City; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, October 21, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City with Dr. Gene Wilder and Dr. Randy Presnell officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 a.m. Thursday morning at Jefferson Memorial Gardens for an 11:00 a.m. graveside interment service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the William J. and Joyce Purdue Endowment Scholarship Fund, c/o Carson Newman College, C-N Box 71993, Jefferson City, TN 37760 Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN (865) 475-3892