George Purkey

George Purkey passed away at the age of 87 years, on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born on February 6, 1939, in Louisville, Tennessee, to the late Lloyd and Virginia Purkey.

George graduated from Friendsville High School in Friendsville, Tennessee in 1956. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where George proudly served his country. Following his military service, he continued his career in civil service at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he worked as an electronic technician for 34 years before retiring.

George loved tending his garden, listening to country music, watching movies, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Purkey.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Purkey; daughter, Carol Shugart (Gene) of Perry; grandsons, Eric Dees (Dana) and Cody Hammock (Samantha); great-grandsons, Trent and Landon Dees, all of Warner Robins; sister, Shirley Ferguson of Louisville, Tennessee; as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of your choice.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.