Life’s Reflections
Eric Terrell Purnell, Sr. was born to Ernest Ray Purnell, Sr. and Eldora Foster Purnell on February 13, 1969, the third of four children. He attended Ridgeway High School and later earned his GED. He went on to pursue a degree in Business Management/Accounting from ITT Technical Institute, and later a real estate license from Success Real Estate School in Cordova, TN. Ever the entrepreneur, Eric also started his own screen-printing t-shirt business.
Eric found his spiritual home at St. Peter M.B. Church, where he was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. Uelucious Purdy. He later moved his membership to The New Olivet Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., remaining a member until his health began to decline.
In February 1991, he married the love of his life, Chanda Urica Hall, and the two built a life together that produced three sons: Eric Terrell Purnell, Jr., now of Colorado Springs, CO; Erin Jerrell Purnell; and Erwin Marcell Purnell.
Eric spent 5 years as an Operation Supervisor before his health forced him to step away.
Eric loved his family and enjoyed family gatherings, especially during the holiday season. He was known as the ‘Family Paparazzi.’ During every family function, he was always walking around with his camera/ phone capturing ALL the action, no matter if you were ready or not! God allowed him to see his sons grow into adulthood, one enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, a family man who gave him two grandchildren as well as earning multiple degrees; one pursuing entrepreneurship and owning multiple businesses, and another who also received multiple degrees and entered Corporate America. Eric was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, who was always ready to defend his team no matter what!
He leaves behind a legacy of love. He is survived by his devoted wife, Chanda Urica Purnell; his sons, Eric Terrell Purnell, Jr. (Brittany) of Colorado Springs, CO, Erin Jerrell Purnell, and Erwin Marcell Purnell of Memphis, TN; two grandchildren, Aaliyah Pope and Genesis Purnell of Colorado Springs, CO; his parents, Ernest Ray Purnell, Sr. and Eldora Foster Purnell; his sister, Eldora Patrice Smith (Johnny); his brother, Ernest Ray Purnell, Jr. (Cynthia), of Memphis, TN; sisters-in-law Regina Ruffin, TaSheena Hall, Kristen Hall, all of Memphis, TN, Beverly Hall Smith (Taurean) of Houston, TX, Farrah White (Alexander) of Nashville, TN, Rekia Hall of Little Rock, AR; brothers-in-law Malcolm Hall of Clarksville, TN, Roderick Ruffin of Memphis, TN, Jason Ruffin of New Orleans, LA, Brandon Hall, Bryan Hall both of Houston, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were lucky enough to end up in one of his pictures. He was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda Purnell; his in-laws, Herman Ruffin and Claudia Marie Hall; a sister-in-law, Shakeena LaFaye Hall; and a brother-in-law, Ryan Deshaun Hall.
Eric’s spirit, and probably a few thousand candid photos, will live on forever in the lives he touched.
Order of Service
Saturday, July 18, 2026 10:00 A.M.
The New Olivet Worship Center
10000 Woodland Hills • Cordova, Tennessee 38018
Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., Pastor
Processional......................................................................................The Family of Mr. Eric Purnell, Sr.
Musical Selection.........................................................................................................Sanctuary Singers
Words of Comfort................................................................................................Reverend Stanley Travis
The New Olivet Worship Center
Prayer...................................................................................................................Reverend Victor Bowen
Scripture Readings:
The New Olivet Worship Center
The Old Testament...................................................................................Reverend Leanna Sykes
St. Peter M.B. Church
The New Testament.........................................................................Reverend Charlene Thornton
St. Peter M.B. Church
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please) Jerome D. Foster
Erin Purnell & Teresa Hardaway Roderick Ruffin
Silent Reading of Obituary
Musical Selection.........................................................................................................Sanctuary Singers
Eulogy................................................................................................................Reverend Patricia Myers
The New Olivet Worship Center
Recessional
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
herished CMemories
Acknowledgements ~
We, the family of Eric Terrell Purnell Sr., express our heart-felt appreciation for the many acts of love demonstrated during our time of sorrow. There are those whose lives death cannot diminish. Their love radiates forever in the hearts of family and friends. We felt that love in your thoughtfulness through your prayers, phone calls, text messages, and other thoughtful expressions. Special thanks to the Olives of The New Olivet Worship Center and the members of St. Peter M.B. Church for their love.
-The Purnell Family
John Borkcom
Honorary Pallbearers ~
~ Calvary Cemetery 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Repast ~ Southbrook Mall 1254 E. Shelby Drive Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Services by
www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com
