Mr. Thomas Lester "Pete" Puryear, 83, was born in Yadkin County on February 26, 1927, to Samuel Puryear and Francey Thornton Puryear. He transitioned into his glorious life on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Pete grew up in East Bend, NC and attended the Yadkin County School. He served in the United States Army and was deemed a World War II Veteran. He retired from Wake Forest University as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was married to Lena Jarrett Puryear for 62 years and fathered two wonderful children: Thomas Gary (Mary) Puryear and Patricia Louise Puryear.
He was a lifelong member of Benbow Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in East Bend, NC where he served as the Pastor's Stuart and Chairman of the Trustee Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter; sisters, Sallie Puryear Thompson, Bessie Puryear, and Ruby Puryear; and his brother, Sam Henry Puryear.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory his faithful wife; son and devoted daughter-in-law; four grandchildren, Dayna Wade (Kevin), Carmen Puryear, Nolan Puryear, and Katrina Gray; two great-grandchildren, Asia and Ananda Jackson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3pm Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Benbow Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 453 East Main Street, East Bend, NC 27018 with Pastor Joshcline J. Henry officiating and Reverend William Puryear, eulogist. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 2:30pm until 3pm on Saturday at the Church.
The family will leave from the residence of the son, Gary Puryear, 3578 Thornaby Circle, Winston-Salem, NC at 1:30pm in route to the church.