Earl Ernest Purnell, 89

REHOBOTH BEACH - Earl Ernest Purnell, of Rehoboth Beach, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Seaford Center, where he was a resident along with his wife. He was 89. Earl was born June 4, 1919, in Rehoboth, to the late Delia Purnell. He attended Rehoboth and Lewes Jr. High School, and he graduated from Howard High School in Wilmington. Earl served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Purnell, they were married 30 years. Form many years Earl was a traveling salesman representing Blair Co. Products, Fuller Brush Co., and Lucky Heart Products and Cosmetics. Earl was a life member of Faith UM Church, fomerly Mt. Pleasant, Past Master Rising Sun Lodge #4, and G. Oscar Carrington Consistory #93, Milton, and American Legion Post #11, Rehoboth. He took great pride in the organizations in which he served as a dedicated member. He met and married Mildred Woods in 1979. He retired from the State Highway at Gravel Hill in 1981 after 16 years service. Earl did yard maintenance with the help of his wife Mildred until his health began to fail. Earl and Ann reared a nephew Billie Davis. Survivors are wife of 30 years, Mildred R. Woods Purnell; one sister-in-law, Louise Carter of Fernandino Beach, Fla.; four nieces, Gloria Fleming and Amber Carter of Philadelphia and Michele Woods Gloroz and Martina Gloroz of Davis, Calif.; two nephews, Kenneth Carter of Philadelphia, and Andrew Gloroz of Davis; cousins, Victor and Shirley Paynter, Gertrude and Ozzie Vann, Madge Paynter, Josephine Dean, all of Rehoboth, Wanda Cannon of Frederica, and Lola Ruker of Dover; and a special friend, Jack James Warrington. Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21, in Faith UM Church, Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with Masonic service at 7:15 p.m. and two hours prior to services Thursday. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services.