Anthony Bernard Purdy, Sr.

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Celebrating the life of
Anthony Bernard Purdy, Sr.October 04, 1922 - November 25, 2015

Anthony Bernard Purdy, Sr., 93 (Lt. Col, ret.USAF), died peacefully at his home on November 25, 2015, under the care of Spanish Oaks Hospice and with his family at his bedside. A member of the Greatest Generation and a native Savannahian, his parents, Grover A. Purdy Sr. and Emily Collins Purdy predeaceased him as did his brothers Grover A. Purdy Jr., Alfred J. Purdy Sr., his brother-in-law Harry J. Elliott, his son-in-law Richard C. Lutz Sr., and his beloved wife Elizabeth G.(Betty) Purdy.

Bernie attended Marist School for Boys and when his family moved to Beaufort, SC, he attended high school there and graduated in 1939. While going to trade school in California, WWII broke out, he enlisted and was commissioned as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. While on a leave in April 1944, he married the love of his life, Betty Gaffney, in Buffalo, NY. He continued training in Tallahassee, FL and from there left for Japan in May 1945. After the Japanese surrendered he stayed on Ischemi and then went to Toykyo as a support pilot with the occupied forces, returning to the states in 1947. He then attended the University of Buffalo, but having longed for the warmth of the south, he enrolled at Georgia Tech, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1952 he joined the 165^th Air National Guard and flew many missions unit his retirement in 1971 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He truly loved his flying days and missed his part-time job dearly.

Bernie worked for Union Camp, the CDC on Oatland Island, and ended his career as a Professional Engineer at the Corps of Engineers in the late 1980’s. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church since 1950, attended Sacred Heart Church for a period of time, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. At both parishes he volunteered and served on various committees. In 2007, he received the prestigious Bishop Francis Gartland award in recognition of all his service to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah. Bernie was a member of the ASME, NARFE, a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5588, the Savannah Quarterback Club, and a faithful volunteer at the Social Apostolate.

He is survived by his son, Anthony B. “Toby” Purdy, Jr. (Irene) of Richmond Hill, GA, his daughters, Barbara Ann Purdy Lutz, Margaret Mary Purdy Flinchum of Vero Beach, FL, and his sister, Elizabeth P. Elliott of Athens, GA. He leaves 6 grandchildren who dearly loved their “Big Daddy”, Maureen L. Morin (Kevin), Richard C. Lutz Jr. (Ann), Patricia L. Morris (Jesse), Christine L. Garrett (Michael), Mary M. Davenport (Gib) of Richmond, VA, and Emily P. Handley of Vero Beach, FL. Seventeen great-grandchildren survive him as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and his devoted caregiver, Ms. Jimmie Lee Roberts.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 29 from 4pm to 6pm, with a Rosary at 6pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 30 at 10am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with burial to follow in the Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Grant, Stephen Brennan, Paul Snedeker, Kevin Morin, Richard Lutz Jr., Kaelan Lutz, Jesse Morris, and Michael Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Blessed Sacrament School Building Fund at 1003 E. Victory Drive, 31405, The Carmelite Monastery at 11 W. Back Street, 31419, The Social Apostalate, 502 E. Liberty Street, 31401, or Spanish Oaks Hospice, 8510 Whitfield Ave, 31406.

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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Our love and prayers to the family of Mr. Purdy such an honorable man who gave so much to God, Church, Family and Country. May His Memory Be Eternal

- Penny and Demetri Miltiades, Kennesaw, GA

Toby,Irene,Barbara...my thoughts and prayers are with you during this loss of your father. May peace be granted to you all as the season of love and hope approach us.

- Patty Btennan, Canton, Ga

My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this difficult time. You are such a close knit family.

- Anne and James Byerly, Savannaj, Ga

Barbara,Toby and Family,we send our sincere sympathy on the passing of your father.We are sorry we were unable to see you in person.He was a fine gentleman and he will be missed.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia

We all loved Betty and Bernie - We will always be thankful that they were a part of our lives in Savannah - Gillian Brown and family

- Gillian Brown and familh, Savannah, GA

My deepest condolences to the Purdy family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces(Isaiah 25:8).

- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.

I Am Sorry For Your Lost.

- Lissa Coleman, Savannah, Ga

This is a celebration of the life of a hero for this country. God now has one of his ?angels back. My prayers go out to you and your family

- BLAKELY, Sav, Ga

Barbara, Reenie, Tricia Tina, I know you must feel this loss deeply, but I also know you take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and his beloved wife. I have witnessed the strong marriages and families of his children and grandchildren and you are all the best testament to how well his life was lived.

- Cari Hamelink, Savannah, GA