Robert Marcellus Purnell Sr.

Obituary Robert Marcellus Purnell Sr., son of the late Charles “Bud” Purnell and Elizabeth Trader, was born on March 27, 1946 in Salisbury, Maryland. He departed this life on January 26, 2019 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, Maryland. Robert attended the public schools of Wicomico County and graduated from Salisbury High in 1964. He later accepted a position working at Perdue Farms in Salisbury, Maryland. “Ronnie”, as he was affectionately called, was a loving Father, Grandfather and Brother. He was also a Special Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and a genuine Friend. Ronnie was very meek and humble. He was one who was consistent with giving you a gentle greeting whenever and wherever he saw you. Yes, he was One of a Kind! Ronnie had a love for playing cards and dice which occurred mostly while, as he would say, “hanging with my boys on the Hill.” Ronnie also liked to fish. He taught his boys how to play basketball and was a faithful Eagles fan. Ronnie was someone who believed in getting fresh air and exercise. On any given day, you could see him doing what was probably his favorite of all things and that was walking. Ronnie could walk, but not without his sunglasses and hat. They were always a part of his attire. Whether Ronnie was going to Save-A-Lot, to the Hill, to his Aunt Ann’s house or on his way back home, you could probably count on your hands the number of times he accepted an offer to receive a ride. He simply loved to walk! Ronnie will always be remembered in our hearts and his favorite saying which will always bring our faces a smile: “Have your own Money, in your Own Pockets” Fond memories will be cherished by: two sons, Robert Purnell, Jr. (Theresa) and Randall Purnell (Bonnie); four grandchildren, Alicia Purnell, Brandon Reinert, Tiffany White and Richie Marks; six greatgrandchildren, Kyseer, Kavon and Kyreese Cotton, Joquay Washington, Kyiah Oglesby and Graycyne Purnell, all of Pennsylvania; three brothers, Charles Anthony “Bud” Davis, Bruce Edward and Brian Keith Dennis; two sisters, Deborah Powell and Charlotte Ponson; two aunts; Dorothy McKinney and Elinore Briddell (Marcus); one uncle, William Purnell, Jr.; a special niece and nephew, Lytania (Niecy) Trader and Morris White, Jr. and a special aunt, MaryAnn Doane, who was his best friend. Ronnie’s memory will also be shared by his other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his grandsons, Donnie Purnell and Randall Purnell, Jr., two sisters, Joan Trader and Cheryl Brown three loving aunts Nellie and Hattie Purnell and Ella Cheeks; grandparents Nellie and William Purnell, and Sarah and Archie Trader. Lovingly Submitted ~The Family

Robert Marcellus Purnell Sr.

March 27, 1946 - January 26, 2019