Robert L. Purlee

Robert L. Purlee 80, of LaGrange, GA died April 22, 2012 at the West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange. Mr. Purlee was born to Frank & Jessie Purlee in St. Joseph, MO. He attended elementary & high school in Alexis, IL. He received a B.S. degree from Monmouth College and a M.S. degree in education from the University of Illinois. He was a combat veteran of the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 and received numerous citations during his service.

He was an educator in Illinois, where he coached athletics and served as a teacher in Fairview, Williamsfield, Abingdon, & Roseville. He was High School Principal in Roseville and Superintendant of Schools in Thompson & Toluca. He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Illinois High School Association. In 1982, he retired to Florida, where he was an Adjunct Professor at St. Petersburg Junior College and he worked as a realtor in St. Petersburg.

Mr. Purlee moved to LaGrange, GA in 1993. He worked as a substitute teacher for ten years in several of the Troup County schools.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, former member of the Elks, Lions, & American Legion. He was also a member of The Active Life Center in LaGrange, GA. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and oil painting.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Doris Ann Purlee, sons Dr. Dave (Jodi) Purlee, Mt. Carroll, IL, Steve (Leslie) Purlee, Dacula, GA, and daughter Julie (Mike) Heath of LaGrange, GA. grandchildren Rob (Jenna) Purlee, Knoxville, IL, Janel (Ryan) Bast, Herrin, IL., Kelly Purlee, Chicago, IL., Adam Henderson, LaGrange, GA., Abby & Matthew Purlee, Dacula, GA., & great grandchildren Carson & Kate Purlee, Knoxville, IL., sister Faye (Dan) Parris of Iola, TX, and seven nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry.

Cremation was accorded. A military funeral and services will be held graveside at a date to be determined in Alexis, IL. Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Alexis is in charge of the local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Georgia Hospice, 1510 Vernon Road, in LaGrange, GA 30240. Online condolences may be left at www.hooverhall.com