Appling, GA – Samuel C. Pursley, Sr., 92, loving husband of 61 years to the late Murriell Kalb Pursley, entered into rest on Saturday, February 13, 2016.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Carolyn Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Pursley was a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He worked more than 32 years with the state of Georgia, first with Gracewood State School and Hospital as Farm Director, Cottage Life Director, and later at Georgia Regional Hospital as an Administrator. He volunteered for over 50 years to soil conservation, FFA, and various 4-H clubs. He also served as past president of 4-H Club Leaders, Augusta Exchange Club, Columbia County Service Agency, and Augusta Easter Seals. Mr. Pursley was well known for his involvement with the Augusta Rescue Mission, where he was past president and served on the Board of Directors for over 41 years. Today, the administration building bears his name, The Samuel C. Pursley House. He was honored and presented with the proclamation from the Mayor’s office, proclaiming September 3, 2009, “Sam Pursley Day”. Even with all of his accomplishments, Mr. Pursley remained humble. He wanted the focus to be on the Lord’s work and simply always wanted to be known as a child of God. He was best described by his longtime friend Dessey L. Kuhlke - “Sam was one of those rare individuals that possessed a great capacity to share in the suffering of his fellow man. Even more rare he had the will to do something about it”. He spent many years teaching Sunday school and doing church work, and was a member of Lewis Memorial UMC. He was a proud veteran and served his country in Naval Aviation during WWII. Mr. Pursley was an avid outdoorsmen and fisherman, and never failed to share his appreciation of the beauty in God’s world. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
Survivors include two sons; Samuel C. Pursley, Jr. (Patti) of Appling, Stewart Pursley (Joylynn) of Appling, four daughters; Gerri Benoit (Mike) of Martinez, Anna King of Raleigh, NC, Debbie Hibbs (Richard) of Augusta, Penny Walden (DeWayne) of Appling, one brother; Norman B. Pursley (Flo) of Lincolnton, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank his caregiver Joyce “Louise” Spurlock and all of the staff at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home for the compassionate care given to Mr. Pursley.
Pallbearers will be Michael Walden, Ethan Redlund, Jason Pursley, Joseph Whitaker, Garrett Fulcher, and Justin Pursley. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Augusta Exchange Club.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 15, 2015 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
If so desired, memorials may be made to the Augusta Rescue Mission, 526 Walker Street, Augusta, GA 30901.