Submit a memorial
Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Charles Abbott Purnell
Posted 8/6/08
Charles Abbott Purnell, 91 WILMINGTON - Charles Abbott Purnell of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2008 in Christiana Medical Center. He was 91. He was born in Georgetown, June 15, 1917, …
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
Charles Abbott Purnell
Posted
Charles Abbott Purnell, 91 WILMINGTON - Charles Abbott Purnell of Wilmington, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2008 in Christiana Medical Center. He was 91. He was born in Georgetown, June 15, 1917, the youngest son of Thomas Rodney and Laura (Johnson) Purnell. Mr. Purnell graduated from Georgetown High School in 1935. He attended business college in Wilmington and worked at E. J. Hollingsworth Co. in Marshallton. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific Theater as a Yeoman 2nd class. Returning to Wilmington after the war, he worked briefly in radio broadcasting, and at the Haveg Corporation until retirement. Mr. Purnell was active in The Brandywiners for many years, performing and singing in their annual summer productions at Longwood Gardens, notably the lead in "Harvey". He also sang in church and his rendition of "The Palms" or " The Hallelujah Chorus" was truly awe inspiring. He will be remembered also at Wesley U.M. Church in Georgetown, his home church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Thomas, Johnson and Robert; two half brothers, Harold and Norman; and a good friend, Donald Shaw. He is survived by a sister-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Delaware, 1021 Gilpin Ave., Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19806.
