George D. Purvis

George Dewey Purvis, M.D., died at his home in Jackson on July 2, 2011.Born May 11, 1920, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, George Purvis was the only child of George Dewey and Alma More Purvis. As a young boy, he developed a severe bone infection, requiring multiple surgical procedures as part of prolonged treatment. This experience and the care he received influenced his desire to become a physician. Dr. Purvis achieved that goal, graduating from New Hebron High School, Mississippi College and the University of Tennessee School of Medicine before returning to Campbell Clinic as a fellow in orthopaedics in 1947.

While in surgical training at the University of Michigan, Dr. Purvis met Janet Lucille Mitchell. They married in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1946 and moved to Memphis to complete his training. Relocating to Jackson in 1950, Dr. Purvis entered the solo practice of orthopaedic surgery. Others later joined him to form Central Orthopaedic Clinic, where he practiced until 1990.

Believing in the value of continuing education and volunteerism, Dr. Purvis was an active member in numerous professional organizations. He held many leadership positions, including Chief of Staff of Mississippi Baptist Hospital and the presidencies of the Mississippi Orthopaedic Society, the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons and the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. He was the first surgeon in Mississippi to be invited into membership in the American Orthopaedic Association. He served as councilor for the state to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Purvis dedicated time and contributed his services to the Mississippi Crippled Children’s Service and the State Hospital at Whitfield during his professional career.

A charter member of Northminster Baptist Church, Dr. Purvis served as chair of the church’s board of deacons and in many other formative roles during 44 years of active membership.

His enjoyment of golf, bridge, travel and photography was magnified by his time spent in those pursuits with friends and family.

George Purvis is survived by Janet Mitchell Purvis, his wife of 64 years, four sons and daughters-in-law, George Dewey Purvis, III (Nancy) of Beaverton, Oregon, John Marvin Purvis (Gayla) of Jackson, Mitchell Mark Purvis (Dixie) of Atlanta, and Joseph Alexander Purvis (Janie) of Jackson, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. A worship service with inurnment will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211, or the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, 6300 North River Road, Suite 700, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4261.

For online condolences go to www.wrightferguson.com