Audrey Lee Purvis passed away peacefully with family on January 6, 2018 at the age of 84. He was born on April Fool’s Day 1933 to Otis and Treasy Rouse Purvis in the Atwell community. Audrey attended Cross Plains schools with the Class of 1952 and married his sweetheart, Ruby Jewel Partee, on December 23, 1954 making Cross Plains their home for the past 63 years. Together they had three children: Rickey Lee, Cindy Sue, and Ronald Wayne Purvis.

Along with his father, Audrey operated the local Phillips 66 service station for many years. He was a long-time employee of Cross Plains ISD as a school bus driver and a strong supporter of the Buffaloes. After retiring from CPISD, he spent many years working for Cross Plains Petroleum and served on the Cross Plains City Council. Audrey was a member of the Woodmen of the World, American Legion, and the First Baptist Church. One of his many prides in life was his 1955 Ford and he was well known for driving it in local parades. Audrey loved country gospel music and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years, he could be found in the company of friends enjoying a game of pool at the Cross Plains Senior Center. Audrey served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was instrumental in the development of the Cross Plains Veterans Memorial Park, believing it important that our small-town honor those who served their country.

Audrey will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jewel, son Rick and his wife Delynn Purvis of Eastland, daughter Cindy and her husband Bobby Payne of Cross Plains, and son Ronnie and his wife Dena Purvis of Abilene. He will be forever remembered by grandchildren Dana, Daniel, Dustin, Jodi, Ryan, Ashley, Cory, Andrea, Josh, and Kara as well as his great-grandchildren. Audrey is also survived by his brother Otis Ray Purvis of Cross Plains, in addition to nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Nelda Purvis Dean, and his brother Billy Gene Purvis.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, January 7th at Higginbotham Funeral Home in Cross Plains. A celebration of Audrey’s life is planned for 2:00pm on Monday, January 8th at the First Baptist Church, 301 N Main, Cross Plains.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the First Baptist Church, Cross Plains Senior Center, the Cross Plains Veterans Memorial Fund or the local charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Audrey Lee Purvis, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.