Leroy Purcell Jr. was born August 12, 1953 in Welch, West Virginia to proud parents Laura Elizabeth and Leroy Purcell, Sr. Born with an independent spiritand nicknamed “Buster,”he moved to Columbus, Ohio at the age of 14. Buster excelled in football and wrestling at Linden McKinley High School and enjoyed reading and writing. After graduation, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army in August 1972. He was honorably discharged, and his service resulted in him receiving the National Defense Service Medal and recognition as a rifle marksman.
Buster had a love for fishing, gardening, and collecting unusual items. He was known to have numerous watches, baseball cards, and odd treasures. He loved working with his hands and earned his living as a Brick Mason. He was proud of the multiple city projects that he worked on such as Linden Elementary School, the remodeling of the Columbus Health Department and sectionsof the Polaris Mall.
Buster met and fell in love with Connie M. Brown, after being introduced by her brother. The two shared many adventures before eventually marrying in June 2000. During their 34 total years together, they enjoyed traveling, hosting family gatherings, and spending time with their grandchildren. They later gained the new nicknames “Paw-Paw” and “Maw-Maw” as they maintained a home where their grandchildren played basketball, hide and seek and rode hover boards.
“Paw-Paw” loved helping people and teaching them how to work with their hands. He made many upgrades to his home, as well as the homes of family and friends. He had a great love for all kinds of music and was frequently caught enjoying a cold beer in his garage, while listening to music late into the night. He loved calling friends and family, laughing and reminiscing about his youthful adventures while his beloved watchdog, Princess, sat by his side.
Leroy re-affirmed his love for Christ and was a member of Shining Light Bible Mission Church. He was once the President of The Men’s Brotherhood where he shared his stories of God’s forgiveness and grace upon his life. Leroy was always quick to admit when he was wrong. He often told people that the Lord would always “get on him” until he did better or fixed a situation.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Caroline Hairston and brother Elbert Purcell. He is survived by his friend and loving wife Connie Purcell, his only daughter, Shaynel Caldwell, and sons Tracy Brown and Diante Brown (Courtney). He also leaves to mourn sisters Beverly Jean Magdziak in Glendale, California, Marquentia Simmons (Kevin) and brother Huelett Jay Purcell (Ida) in Detroit, Michigan. Leroy also leaves 10 beloved grandchildren, 3 aunts, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his much-loved pet Yorkie, Princess.
Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Friday, June 15, 2018 at Shining Light Bible Mission Church, 95 W. 5th Ave.
Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.
To the family of Leroy, you have my condolences in your loss. Death is one of the most difficult situations we must face. At Revelation 21:4, God promises “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. May you have faith in God’s promise that Leroy will live again!
When someone you love dies becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure that can fill your hearts with love and bring you peace . May the God of all comfort help to ease the pain of your grief.
You all have my deepest condolences.