On March 15, 2021, Thomas J. Purvis, a loving husband and father of four children, passed away at his home on Dog River. Tom was born on November 4, 1935 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In his 85 years on earth, he accomplished many things. He served his country and entered the Navy at 16 years old, serving his country for 4 years. He then moved to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and worked in the oil industry. There he met the love of his life, his future wife, Luly. After a short, sweet courtship, they married on April 29, 1961 and moved back to the United States. He and Luly worked together to build a life for their growing family.Tom served as a Mobile Police Department Patrolman. During this time, he obtained his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Alabama. His close friend, Barry Hess, convinced him to run for Sheriff of Mobile County. He proudly served as Sheriff for two decades, from 1975 to 1995. During his time as Sheriff, he started many programs such as the Junior Deputy Program which built better relationships with young children and law enforcement. He served as President of the Alabama Peace Officers Association for two consecutive terms. He had the respect of the Law Enforcement Community throughout the State of Alabama for his work and dedication to the betterment of the state. He worked to pass legislation to serve and protect his officers and his constituents. He brought the Sheriff's Department up to standard by educating his officers and making decisions that were in the best interest of the public as well as those incarcerated in his charge. Tom was dedicated to the public as Sheriff of Mobile. Tom loved traveling and welcomed any adventure. A family trip to Bolivia was an adventure of a lifetime. This trip was a 28 day drive to Bolivia in a caravan of family members. He taught his children how to be good citizens, work hard, and be a good person. He was always there to support his children and advise them on anything. He loved his family and friends and was always ready with an infectious smile. He was honored by the Boy Scouts of America as a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award. Sonny Callahan honored his work and dedication in the Congressional Record. The University of South Alabama honored him with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018. In retirement, Tom continued to serve as the Bolivian Consulate. He continued to have a good relationship with the Consular Corp. He and Luly worked to assist any Bolivians that needed assistance.Tom Purvis lived a life marked by service to his church, family, and his community. He was a devout Catholic and raised his children in the Catholic Church. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar N. Purvis and Mary Elizabeth Purvis. His wife, Luly and his four children survive him: Marina, James, Terrie and TJ. His grandchildren Charles, Sophia and his great granddaughter Liliana; his sister Norma Hoverman and half-brother Carl Purvis also survive him. A mass will be celebrated to honor him at Little Flower Church on Friday March 19, 2021 at 10:00 am In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Lynes Share Scholarship Fund at Little Flower Catholic School, 2053 Government Street, Mobile AL 36606.
1935-2021
A church service will be held at 10am at Little Flower Church on Friday, 03/19/21 followed by a commital service at the grave site.
