Earnest Purifoy

The Song of His Life

Earnest Purifoy journey of life began on January 10, 1935 in Prescott, Arkansas. He was the son of Oscar Purifoy and Mae Emma Jenkins Purifoy.

He accepted Christ at a young age and was a lifelong member of St. John Baptist Church in Bluff City, Arkansas.  Earnest was a graduate of Rosston High School. He met the beautiful Clara and they were married on November 30, 1956. To this union five children were born. He worked in the timber industry for fifteen years. He did all he thought and knew to provide for his wife and young family. They were married over 60 years until his passing.

Earnest found a passion for quartet singing. His resounding and melodious voice landed him a place with the “Spiritual Five” and the “Joyful Four”.

His pilgrimage was modest, but full and fulfilling. Being from the south, he was an outdoors man who loved fishing. His first love and passion was singing and ministry. He knew that if he could help just one person, then his living would not be in vain.

On Friday, August 7, 2020 with his family at his side, he slipped the bonds of this life for a life in eternity. His independent spirit, iron will and strong character will never be duplicated, but leaves an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey.

He leaves cherish his memory; his wife, Clara Purifoy of Prescott, AR; his children, Earnest Purifoy, Jr. (Chloe) of Prescott, AR, Earnesteen Purifoy (Ruthie) of Camden, AR, Donald R. Purifoy of Prescott, AR, Tony U. Purifoy (Leslie) of Hot Springs, AR and Vanessa Moss (Ronnie) of Prescott, AR; twenty grandchildren and thirty-nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Murlean Brooks of Prescott, AR, and Lorene Jackson of Camden, AR; two brothers, Claude Purifoy of Prescott, AR and Clyde Purifoy (Pearl) of Rockford, IL. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A service of celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at St. John Cemetery in Bluff City, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Courtney Moss, Jamarcus Purifoy, Corey Purifoy, Keontay Purifoy, Randolph Gulley and Johnny Sorrells. The honorary pallbearers will be David Lee Purifoy, Clifton Haynie, Ed Sorrells, Jerry Wayne Purifoy, Michael Sorrells and James Sorrells.