Joseph L. Purkey

Joseph L. Purkey of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021. Joe served his country in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked at TVA for many years. Joe was an accomplished author, penning 8 Ace Sleuth Detective novels.

Preceded in death by his daughter, Dana E. LaFever; parents, Bryan and Stella Purkey; brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Barbara Purkey; sisters, Christine Cantwell and Arlene Watkins.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan E. Purkey; son, Scott Joseph Purkey; granddaughter and son-in-law, Sahara Bethany and Eugene LaFever; brother, G. Keith Purkey; and sister, Alma Pierce Gann.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm officiated by Rev. Clay Harrington. Family and friends will gather in Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery for interment after the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to YOKE Youth Ministries, 1401 Cecil Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 or Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Missions.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Purkey family.