Earle R. Purser

GARNER - Earle R. Purser, 90, died Wednesday. Born in Union County, he was the son of the late Adam and Daisy Purser. He served in the Army during WWII and was stationed in Guadalcanal. In 1950, he graduated from Wake Forest Law School and began practicing law that year and continued to practice until April, 2011. He was a member in good standing with the NC State Bar and an honorary member with the Wake County Bar Association, having served on several committees. He was a counselor for lawyers with alcohol problems and a mentor for Alcoholics Anonymous.He was always there to support friends and family in need. In addition to his law practice, Earle was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was Past Master of Garner Lodge # 701 and a member of Amran Shrine Temple. He was an active, longtime member of Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church and had become a certified lay minister. He enjoyed preaching at small churches as well as sharing his faith with homeless Vietnam Vets that lived in the woods behind his house. A true scholar, he spoke several languages and had a great love of history. He maintained a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes. Being outside and gardening was yet another of his many passions. Earle was a devoted Garner High School football fan and served as a mentor for the varsity team for many years. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday at Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park with Masonic Rites. Survivors include his beloved wife, Carolyn W. Purser; daughter, Amy Sanders and husband, Hank; son, Neal Purser and wife, Wendy; grandchildren, Morgan Hamme and Harris Purser; step children, Craig Butler, Jeff Butler and Heather Hankinson; step grandchildren, Brandon Butler, Mason Hankinson, Lauren Butler, Cole Butler, Cody Butler and Josh Barberena; sister, Jean Jackson and brother, Nubert Purser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Naomi Garner Purser; sisters, Ruth Rushing and Doris Stegall. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 pm Friday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. To quote Earle: You see, they think Im old and they think I dont know whats going on. They think that they need to take it easy on me. They let me cut to the front of the line. Thats fine, take it easy on me. There is something about 60 years of practicing law that is hard to beat. My mind is not as sharp as it once was, but Ive got a few tricks up my sleeve. The life he lived was one of which most men only dream.Memorial contributions may be made in Earles name to Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church, 4926 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.