Wayne Purselley entered Heaven at 15:15 military time Saturday, February 29, 2020.
A praise service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, in the Highland Baptist Church Chapel.
He was born in Loving, Texas on June 27, 1932 to Herman and Ida Purselley. Wayne attended Texas A&M University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. upon graduation. He served 22 years in the Air Force and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He flew 6,000 hours as a navigator and served as a missile launch officer in Bittburg, Germany. He was a teacher and planetarium director at Richfield High School. Wayne wrote and taught the “Christ Revealed in the Stars” lecture series for many years.
He was a member of Highland Baptist Church for 45 years, serving in numerous leadership and teaching roles. He was past president of the local MOAA chapter as well as McLennan County Republican Club.
Wayne served his God, his family, his nation and his community with grace and honor.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Sue Purselley; children, Tim Purselley and wife, Patti, Renee Francis and husband, Tom, Ken Lorenz and wife, Jill, Shannon Grissom and husband, Mike; numerous nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Highland Baptist Church Wellness Center.
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Mr. Purselley wsa my Astronomy teacher way back in 1988-1989 at Waco High. I remember his being the best class I had all day. He was so passionate about what he was teaching and about his students. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Purselley was my astronomy teacher at Richfield in 1969-1970. I went on to teach outdoor education courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School 1974-1980 including both summer and winter mountaineering courses. I spent many a starry night passing on the knowledge of constellations to students and to this day, when marveling at the clear skies in the Rockies, I can thank him for instilling the appreciation of God’s wonderful handiwork.
I remember Mr Purselley’s astronomy classes and trips to the planetarium. Great memories from Richfield High School (1969-1971). I remember his passion for teaching in several of the classes where he was my instructor. Never a dull moment. I attended Highland Baptist Church until my move to DFW area in 1981. I know he will be missed and my condolences to his family. Just know he made a tremendous amount of positive impact on his students throughout the years. RIP among the stars in heaven you lived so much.
I remember Mr Purselley’s astronomy classes and trips to the planetarium. Great memories from Richfield High School (1969-1971). I remember his passion for teaching in several of the classes where he was my instructor. Never a dull moment. I attended Highland Baptist Church until my move to DFW area in 1981. I know he will be missed and my condolences to his family. Just know he made a tremendous amount of positive impact on his students throughout the years. RIP among the stars in heaven you loved so much.
Mrs. Purselley, my thoughts prayers, and deepest sympathy to you and your family. I always appreciated the kindness and love that y’all showed to my mom and dad. And, not just them, but to me, and all of our family. I pray that God will hold you close to Him, and comfort you in only the way that He can.
Dear Barbara: My thoughts, prayers and love to you and all of Wayne’s family. He was an extraordinary man and posessed many talents…not the least of which was his ability to connect with others Wayne was as kind and thoughtful as anyone whom I have known. He was faithful in many things- esecially his love for the Lord. He left this world a much better place than he found it and I was proud to be his friend. Rest In Peace Wayne. I hope to get to visit with you Barbara in the days to come. Blessings and comfort to you and all.
Dear Barbara, we were saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing.our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Richard and I will always treasure our times with you and Wayne. Our first meeting was at a Big 12 Tournament and we were sitting in your seats! You both were so gracious to these interlopers and from that a beautiful friendship was born. We have considered it an honor and privilege to know you both. We will miss Wayne’s warm greetings and hugs.
Betty and Richard Kaga
Barbara,
Please accept my thoughts prayers, and deepest sympathy to you and your family. You and Wayne have and always will be one of my favorite couples. I always loved seeing Wayne at our Baylor events–that great smile and warm reception. You were one of the first people I met when I returned to Waco 20 years ago and you always made me feel welcome. He always made you feel special. A man of integrity.
Tim, please accept my thoughts and prayers as well. We have another angel. I will miss him at the Big 12 tournament and all Baylor events .
Doug Fertsch
Mr. P! Richfield 1976, from you I went to Carl Sagan, and then the Air Force. May you be welcomed into Heaven with open arms.
Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Barbara,
I am so grieved that you have lost your precious Wayne, but so grateful for his being in the Lord’s presence and that he didn’t have a long illness! You and Wayne were my parent’s dearest friends and you loved them unconditionally-your love for them was an example for me to love well! May God’s love enfold you now and forever. Bless you!!
Barbara,
You may not remember me, but back in the mid 1980’s, we worked with Jane E, Mary Ann T, Lela K, and Carolyn K, in the Speech Pathology dept at The old Waco High School bldg.
I was the unit secretary. Each time you spoke of your Wayne, you had such a wonderful smile.
My deepest sympathy to you!
Connie Holder Manly