Samuel Louis Purifoy, 80, gained his wings on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He was born May 13, 1944, to Polk and Mary Lou Purifoy of Chidester, AR. He was a lifelong resident of Chidester, AR and a founding member of the Chidester Volunteer Fire Department. He along with his dad were part of the delivery of the city's first fire truck. He was a member of the Rushing Memorial Church in Chidester, AR.

He was a graduate of Chidester High School and Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR. His career spanned many opportunities. Sam served in the United States Air Force as a military police officer. After leaving the Air Force and completing college, he began working in the business office at the Ouachita County Hospital. Sam was provided with an opportunity to transition from there to a career in the defense industry by taking many roles with General Dynamics. After a slowdown in that industry, he began his next career chapter by working in the car business. Sam's final and probably most enjoyable job was with Ouachita Industries where he retired from in 2012 to care for his wife of 49 years during a long battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nan Purifoy; his daughter Melanie L. Purifoy; his parents Polk and Mary Lou Purifoy; and brother Richard Purifoy.

He is survived by his sons, Jason Purifoy and wife Cindy and Jarrod Purifoy and wife Natalie; grandchildren Melanie E. Purifoy, Chase Purifoy, and Katie Purifoy all of Chidester; brother Roger Purifoy and sister Phyllis Purifoy of Camden and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at the Springs of Camden.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Rushing Memorial Church in Chidester, AR with Reverend Willie Fort officiating. Interment will follow in Chidester Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 6:00-8:00 PM. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Rushing Memorial Church, P.O. Box 219, Chidester, AR 71726 or the Chidester Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 341, Chidester, AR 71726.