Charles (Chuck) Horace Purnell, Sr.

Charles (Chuck) Horace Purnell, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, servant leader, and proud veteran, passed away on December 20, 2025. He was 78 years old.
Chuck was born on July 22, 1947, in Scotland, Maryland, to George Purnell, Sr. and Rosetta Shoebrook Purnell. He was one of ten children and was raised in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. He attended George Washington Carver High School and later graduated from Morgan State University with a degree in Political Science.
Chuck answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. After completing Officer Candidate School, he went on to dedicate more than 30 years of honorable service. His military career took him across the country, and he ultimately retired with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1986, Chuck met Barbara while working at the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. They married in 1992 and later moved to New Jersey for a new duty station. The Army eventually brought Chuck and Barbara to Virginia, where he served at Fort Monroe and Fort Eustis until his retirement. They shared 33 years of marriage at the time of his passing.
Chuck was a faithful and active member of Orcutt Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia. He served the church for many years as a Deacon and was later honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus for his dedicated service.
Chuck had a lifelong passion for music and enjoyed listening to and performing music on his bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitars, and drum set. He was also an avid car enthusiast, proudly owning muscle cars in his youth and Corvettes later in life. After playing basketball in high school, he maintained a love for sports, especially basketball, football, and boxing.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Leigh Ann; sons, Charles (Chuck) Purnell, Jr. and Corey Purnell; six grandchildren—Isaiah, Simon, Julian, Phoenix (Grubb), Paisley (Milstead), and William Atlas (Milstead); sister, Henrietta (Purnell) Menchion; brother, Robert; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rosetta Purnell; sisters, Marie (Purnell) Young and Mary Bernice (Purnell) Williams; and brothers, Louis, Roland, George, John, and William.
Chuck will be remembered for his faith, service, love of family, and unwavering dedication to those he served and loved.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00 in Orcutt Baptist Church. The family will receive friends starting at 10AM. Burial will follow at 3:00 in Albert G Horton Jr. Veterans Cemetery.