Obituary of Ralph Purnell, Sr.

Ralph Purnell, Sr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 3, 1933 and ascended into the stairway of Heaven on July 7, 2020, after eighty-six great years of life. Ralph was born to the late Gertrude Meekins and Willie Purnell. He was educated in Baltimore City Public School System, receiving his high school diploma from Frederick Douglas High School. Ralph had a passion for boxing and received great recognition for his own boxing abilities. Ralph went on to work at Merchant Terminal Refrigerator Warehouse, as shop steward and treasurer. He later became Vice President at Teamster Local 570 Union, and retired after thirty years of service. Ralph married the love of his life, Georgia. Together they had 9 children. Ralph was a real estate investor, a true entrepreneur, with admirable work ethics. After retirement, he owned two stores by the name of "Purnell & Sons," and a moving and hauling company. With the help of his children and grandchildren, both businesses were successful. In his later years, he had a stand at the flea market, Elkridge, MD, selling cleaning and household goods, etc. Ralph was a member of the Elks Club for over twenty years, where he devoted much of his time through good service and fellowship with others. Ralph was a family man; he was a great father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ralph was a real role model to many. Ralph would always take his children on short trips and family vacations. During his free time, Ralph enjoyed hosting family gatherings and holiday functions at his house. He also enjoyed helping his grandchildren and taking family/friends to buffets weekly for a hearty meal. No one would be hungry around Ralph, making sure you ate well was his main priority. Ralph enjoyed staying up late watching sports: football, boxing and wrestling were a few. Ralph liked to watch and receive messages from Jimmy Swaggart. He loved to watch old Westerns and Family Feud. A wake will be held Thursday, July 16, 2020 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.