Jonesboro- Charles T. "Chuck" Purvis left this world on August 1, 2021, having made it a better place. Always the jokester, he went out laughing at the retelling of one of his own stories. Chuck led a rich and powerful life that started out on the Plunkett Farm in Biscoe, Arkansas. There, he learned to love family, respect hard work, and honor friendships. He carried these values with him for the rest of his life.

Chuck loved God, his country, and his family. He was a man of faith and attended First Baptist Church of Jonesboro for over fifty years. There, he taught Sunday School and served in the ministry outreach program. He led his children to the Lord and encouraged them to serve Him.

The American flag Chuck always wore on his lapel was a proud display of his patriotism. He honorably served thirty combined years in the Air Force, Army, and National Guard. He was honored to be a veteran of the Korean War and advocated for other veterans at every opportunity.

As the Arkansas State Forester for thirty years, Chuck dedicated his time, effort, and expertise to his state's forests and wildlife. Trees were some of his dearest friends, along with Smokey Bear. Chuck spent many long days and nights fighting the fires that threatened the woods he dearly loved. He was a pioneer in many efforts that resulted in acres and acres of new pine trees.

Chuck's family was his greatest accomplishment. He married a beauty who caught his eye on the basketball court, and never looked back. She could shoot with either hand, (a skill he greatly admired.) During their fifty-one years of marriage, they raised two children who blessed them with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Later in his life, he discovered that he could appreciate new love, companionship, and adventure. His love for his family and friends was evident in his attention, generosity, and thoughtful dedication to each one's success. Chuck championed for his people every single day, and kept them laughing until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Dean Purvis; his parents, Allice and Gilbert Purvis; a brother, James Purvis, and a daughter, Pamela Green.

He is survived by a daughter, Trudy (Jonathan) Laird; a son-in-law, Russell Green; grandchildren, William Green, Spencer (Lindsey) Green, Jessica (Rick) Kendust, Mallory Green, Benjamin Green, Juliann Laird, and Emily Green; great-grandchildren, Macklyn Green and Harrison Kendust.

The family will receive friends from noon until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

A celebration of his life will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Gregg - Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Rodney Reeves officiating. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Honored to serve as a pallbearers are William Green, Spencer Green, Benjamin Green, Jamie Purvis, Jonathan Laird and Rusty Green and as honorary pallbearers are Justin Caldwell, Bill Rogers and Jack Dover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro or you may select to plant a tree in his memory.