Wardell Horton Puryear

NELSON - Mr. Wardell Horton “W.H.” Puryear, Jr., husband of Patricia “Pam” Miller Puryear, of Nelson, VA passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the age of 74. He was born in Roxboro, NC on June 4, 1945 the son of the late Wardell H. Puryear, Sr. and the late Nerene Walters Puryear. W.H. started driving a school bus at 15. He loved driving trucks, driving independently as well as a milk/ice cream delivery truck, and trucks for Anheuser Busch, Freight Way, and Gray Walker. He owned a wrecking company and with his brother, Willard, co-owned a service station. W.H. was very passionate about his family, never met a stranger, and could talk with anyone. A collector of many things, he enjoyed yard sales and making deals. He loved listening to the radio, country gospel, and bluegrass. W.H. Puryear is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters, Melinda Elliott (Matt) of Nelson and Janna Puryear of Clarksville; sons, Josh Swafford (Diana) of Nelson, Gary Puryear (Annette) of Nelson, and Kirby Puryear (Shannon) of Chase City; brother, Willard Puryear (Nancy) of Oxford, NC; sisters, Dawn Walker (Jimmy) of Buffalo Junction, Judy Comer (Tommy) of South Boston, Bonnie Gordon (Lester) of Virgilina, and Tommie Puryear of Franklinton, NC; grandchildren, Heather Verdugo, Kolby Puryear, Gary Puryear, Jr., Andrew Puryear, Carter Puryear, Summer Puryear, Kaitlyn Swafford, Colton Elliott, Cason Elliott, and Natalie Swafford; great grandchild, Mariana Verdugo; numerous nieces and nephews; long time, devoted friend, Shelton Boyter; and his best friend and loyal dog, Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edward Puryear. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Nelson Baptist Church with the Reverend Norman Talley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM and at other times at the home of Willard and Nancy Puryear, Grassy Creek/Virgilina Rd., Oxford, NC.