Thomas Gayle Purdy, of Malvern, 71, died Monday, September 6, 2015, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock following a battle with cancer.

Born and reared in Malvern, the son of the late Lehman and Elsie (Draper) Purdy, he was a lifelong resident of this area.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Charlotte Kersh Purdy; his daughters Leslie Purdy-Hoyt of Little Rock and Jennifer Purdy Mayberry of Carlsbad, CA, his son Rob Purdy of Dothan, AL, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his brother, Alvin Purdy of Sherwood and his sister, Linda Purdy Woods of Bixby, OK. Tom also leaves behind a host of close friends. He is predeceased by his brother, Robert Purdy.

In his early years, Tom helped at the family business, Purdy's Grocery in Malvern. After graduating from Malvern High School in 1961, he attended Henderson State College until he went to work for Reynolds Metals in 1965, where he worked until the reduction plant closed.

Strong in spirit, Tom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Malvern where he was quick to smile, fast to hug, and always eager to help those in need. A humble, selfless man who sacrificed for the success of others, he will be remembered for a deep and constant love for friends, family, and God.

Tom had a passion for gardening and being outdoors and eagerly anticipated springtime each year. An avid deer hunter and fisherman for years, he spent many seasons in the woods of Dallas County and summers in a flat bottom boat on Lake Catherine.

A graveside service will be held Friday, September 11th at 10:00, at Oak Ridge cemetery in Malvern with Dr. Catherine Allsbury officiating. Memorials to Arkansas Heart Hospital, Vera Lloyd Children's Home in Monticello, AR, or Arkansas Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.