Paul Francis Purvis 88, of Ashland, Ky. passed away Friday morning in Kingsbrook Life care Center.
Born May 12, 1916 at Salt Lick, Ky. the son of the late Thomas L. & Ollie Purvis. Paul’s family moved to Ashland in 1919. He attended Ashland public schools and graduated from Ashland High School in 1936.
Before entering the U.S. Navy during World War II he married Geneva Moore of Ashland. They were married 55 years and 5 days, when Miss Geneva preceded him in death on December 26, 1995. During his service time he served aboard the LST 702.
After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Paul returned to Ashland where he worked in the automotive parts business until establishing his own business, Valley Auto Supply from 1970-1981.
He was active in Civic affairs and politics. He served several terms as chairman of the Boyd County Republican party, was a member of the Ashland Area Jaycees, American Legion, VFW and Ashland Elks. A Kentucky Colonel, past president of the Ashland Rotary Club and past Master of Poage Lodge, York Rite Bodies.
In 1969 Paul was elected a Boyd County Commissioner and in 1980 was elected Boyd County Judge Executive. He served two four-year terms in that capacity, retiring in December 1989.
In addition to Miss Geneva, he was preceded in death by his sisters Eliza, Eula, Mary and Ruth and his brother Howard Purvis. Sixteen nieces and nephews survive him.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1pm Monday, at the Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel by the Reverend Steve Ruby. Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Sunday, at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic service beginning at 6:30 immediately followed by an Elks service.
Contributions may be made to the Ashland First Church of the Nazarene 2201 Bath Ave. Ashland, Ky. 41101.
Online condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com
