- Date Of Birth: November 18, 1932
- Date Of Death: August 31, 2012
- State: Florida
Jake Wallace Purvis 1932 – 2012
Dr. Jake Wallace Purvis, long time local Veterinarian, passed away on August 31, 2012 at Fort Walton Medical Center from complications of pneumonia at the age of 79. He was surrounded in love by his devoted wife, Maryann and daughter, Luanne. Jake was born on November 18, 1932 in Geneva, Alabama to Merle Wallace and Jake B. Purvis.
At age 17, still a senior in high school, his National Guard unit was called to serve in the Korean War where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Upon return, he attended Troy State Teachers College where he met and married Anne Scarborough, the mother of his three children. In 1954, he entered Alabama Polytechnic Institute. There he received his degree in Veterinary Medicine as a member of the first graduating class of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University.
In 1988, he married is soul mate, Maryann Melody. He was never happier than when he had Maryann by his side fishing on the Apalachicola River, frying cornbread with someone waiting nearby to eat it the minute it cooled, serving his famous New Year’s Cajun Black Eyed Peas, hosting a Bowlegs Landing party, watching Auburn football or entertaining a crowd with his latest joke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Merle Purvis; sister, Rachael Shipp; two of his three daughters, Camille, the youngest in 1985 and Vicki, the eldest in 1995; and Maryann’s parents John and Florence Melody.
Jake is survived by his devoted wife, Maryann; daughter, Luanne; brother, Jack (Joanne); granddaughters Macon Jamieson (Jim) and Leila DiPolo; grandson Dylan DiPolo (Jennifer); former wife and friend, Anne Aderholt; niece, Molly Goodyear; nephews, Jay Purvis, Jake Purvis, Chad Purvis, Chris Purvis, Kevin Shipp, Matthew Melody and Nathan Melody; brother-in-laws, Irby Shipp (MaryEllen) and John Melody (Marie); and countless friends and fishing buddies.
Jake was a man with a sharp wit, who truly cherished his many friendships and all things Auburn.
103 1st Street SE,
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Children In Crisis
1000 Lukes Way
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Auburn University Foundation
College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36380
