Michael Gilles Purgason

Michael Gilles Purgason, who blessed us with his presence in Arlington on Dec. 28, 1990, and who was the most precious person any parent could ask for, went to be with our Lord on July 13, 2012, as a result of an automobile accident. Michael was known for his unending charisma, quick wit, bright smile and contagious laughter. He graduated from Mansfield Summit High School in 2009 with summa cum laude honors. He played baseball, basketball, managed the girls' volleyball team and was active in student council. He was entering his senior year at the University of Texas at Austin where he was an accomplished student, an English and biology major and had recently applied to medical school. He planned to pursue a career in primary care medicine following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Mr. Purgason was spending his summer this year in Galveston living with his sister and conducting biomedical research at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He was blessed with intelligence, which made him capable of so many wonderful things. Like his friends and family, his patients would have been positively impacted by his compassion, sincerity and zest for life. Michael loved life and all who knew him loved him. Perhaps his biggest passion, outside of those he cared for, was playing men's club volleyball for the Texas Longhorns. He was truly unique in his love of the game of volleyball. He was a naturally driven true athlete. He was a genuine sports fan, especially of his brother's and sister's past athletic endeavors and the Lady Longhorns volleyball team. Michael was definitely happiest on the volleyball court. Mr. Purgason is thought of by those that knew him best for providing smiles, joy, constant laughter, generosity and love. He was known for his unmatched, fiercely loyal friendship. Anyone who knew Michael was left touched for the better. People adored his laugh and his ability to look on the bright side. He loved the English language and took great pride in expanding his and others' vocabulary. His dearest friends called him "Purgy." Michael was his family's most precious gift from heaven and will forever be their little boy, their little "Meechael." He was so loved and there are no words to express how much he will be missed every single day. The world has lost an angel whose faith was strong and who embraced Catholicism. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dr. John Robert Purgason; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert and Jeanne Gilles; and his uncle, Mr. David Purgason. Survivors: Michael is survived by his mother and father, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Michele Purgason of Arlington; his brother and sister, Mr. Nicholas Purgason and Ms. Ashley Purgason of Arlington and Galveston; his grandmother, Mrs. Doris Purgason of Austin; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; his Fefi; uncle, Russ; and his beloved dog, Lance. All loved him dearly.