James Lauchlin Purser

James Lauchlin Purser, 83, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2014. He was born in Goldsboro, NC to the late Ruth Blue Purser and Roy Matheny Purser. He loved the outdoors and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1953 and was a lifelong Tar Heel fan. He wore his Tar Heel tie to church after every Carolina victory.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. After his Army service he began his career at the Cameron-Brown Company in Raleigh in 1955 and remained there until retiring as Senior Vice President in 1986. At his retirement he was the director of the Real Estate and Consulting Department. He was active in many professional and civic organizations. He was a member of the North Carolina Historic Preservation Foundation and the National Historical Trust, past president of the West Raleigh Rotary Club and he served on the North Carolina Baptist Hospital Board of Trustees.

As a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Raleigh, he served on many committees and was a member of the Everette Miller Friendship Sunday School Class. He will be remembered by many for his generosity and kind spirit. His dry wit will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Roy Purser, and his brother, Roy M. Purser, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Owens Purser; daughters Kathryn Purser Laukhart of Raleigh, NC and Paula Purser McManimen (Steve) of Harrisburg, NC, and 6 grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Martha Blue Purser Hooks of Laurinburg, NC.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Day Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Raleigh or to Mars Hill University.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Rd. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.BrownWynne.com