Wilson McKinley "The Mayor" Purnell 56

BRIDGEVILLE - Wilson McKinley "The Mayor" Purnell of Bridgeville died of natural causes at the home of his fiancée and her mother (his caregivers), Patricia "Patty" and Dorethea Herring, on Wednesday, April 11, 2007. He was 56.

Mr. Purnell was the son of the late Elmer and the late Mary Frances Purnell.

Wilson was affectionately referred to as "The Mayor" of his community in Bridgeville. He also served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army, receiving numerous commendations for being a top-class marksman. He specialized in the M-16 rifle.

His most recent place of employment prior to his disability was at Burris Foods in Federalsburg, Md., where he was a team leader and a forklift operator.

Prior to his employment with Burris Foods, Mr. Purnell was employed at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford for numerous years as a male attendant. Many patients and employees at the hospital will have fond memories of how tall and distinguished he looked in his white uniform.

Wilson took great pride in keeping his uniforms white and "pressed to the nines," and keeping his shoes shined to the point where you could see yourself in them.

Not only did he take pride in dressing for work, but whenever you saw him, Mr. Purnell was dressed as if he were on his way to a special event, even if he was just going to a ball game.

His greatest delight on this earth was his family, especially his son Delino, and his grandchildren. Wilson enjoyed telling everyone about the accomplishments of his son Delino "Bop" DeShields and Delino"s baseball career and children. It was nothing for Wilson to pull photos out of Delino and his grandchildren, and there was no leaving until you had seen every last photograph. Mr. Purnell was his son"s greatest coach, supporter and inspiration throughout his career in Major League Baseball.

He is survived by three sons, Delino "Bop" DeShields of College Park, Ga., Wilson Henry "Little Will" of Seaford and Julius "Jop," also of College Park; his devoted fiancée and caregiver, Patricia "Patty" Herring of Seaford and Bridgeville; five grandchildren, Delino Jr. DeShields, Diamond DeShields, DeAngelo DeShields, Denim DeShields and Delaney DeShields; three brothers, Elmer and his wife, Loretta Purnell of Seaford, William and his wife, Ethel Purnell of Bridgeville, and Edward and his wife, Barbara Purnell, also of Seaford; five sisters, Esther "Sallie" and her husband, Walter Pinder of Seaford, Phyllis "Sister" Jackson of New Jersey, Gloria "Honey" Epps, also of Seaford, Edith "Edie" and her husband, James Heath of New York, and Dianne Morris of Dover; a special "honorary" grandmother with whom he resided, Dorethea Herring of Bridgeville; a special and devoted friend, Delino"s mother, Deborah DeShields of College Park, Ga.; one Godson, Terrell Herring of Seaford; two God-grandchildren, T.J. Herring and Cherrell Herring of Minot, N.D.; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Refuge Temple Revival Center in Seaford.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the church, where friends may call one hour prior to the services. There will also be a final viewing after the eulogy, which is to be delivered by the Rev. George Cooke.

Interment will be in the Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, immediately following the funeral.

Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.