Funeral services for Rev. John Wesley Purifoy Jr., 78, of Colony will be 2 p.m. Saturday March 22nd at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Burial will follow the service at Colony Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday March 21st from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Hanceville Funeral Home.
Reverend John Wesley Purifoy, Jr was born June 6, 1946, to the late John, Sr., and Hattie Sanders Purifoy, in Warrior, Alabama. He was the eldest of six children. He is preceded in death, by his parents, his grandparents Edward and Annie Lee Purifoy, his sister Norma Jean Gates, his brother Claudis L. Purifoy and his in-laws Paul T. and Margaret Williams.
John accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. James United Methodist Church in Warrior, Alabama, under the leadership of Rev. O.V. Porter. He later moved his membership to Pleasant Grove United Methodist, Colony, AL. John departed this life on March 14, 2025.
John graduated from Hooper City High School in 1964. He later began working in his chosen profession as an optician for over 60 years. On January 5, 1969, he married the love of his life Gwendolyn Johnson. He moved to Colony, Alabama where he began his new life. Three children were born into this union: John, III, Kimberly, and Jason.
The joys of John’s life were putting God first then family and friends. He loved fishing, sports and children. Then had a deep concern for the young generation in church and community. He was very supportive of everyone always encouraging.
When the Town of Colony became incorporated in 1981, John was elected as its first Mayor, of the Town of Colony, serving one term. He opened Fashion Optical, as a part-time business in the 1980’s, but decided to become fully self-employed in 1996 and did so until his passing. While making eyeglasses, John was given plenty time to study God’s word and discuss it with his customers. When he felt the calling of the Lord, John became a Lay Speaker first and progressed into the ministry of the Methodist Church. He completed the United Methodist Licensing School, to become a local pastor. His first appointment was Holston Chapel United Methodist Church, located in Trafford, Alabama, where he served as pastor for two years. After which he was appointed to Lakeview United Methodist Church located in Tanner, Alabama. John joyfully served as pastor for six years. His health began to fail and he returned to his home church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist, where he served as an Associate until his passing.
He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn. His children John, III, Kimberly, and Jason (Gia). His grandchildren Justin Brown, Brandon Purifoy, Keith Twitty, II, Peyton Purifoy-Cain (Austin), Jason, and one great-grandchild Jada Brown. His siblings Jeanette Hanna, Larry Purifoy (Melva Jean), and Shirley Jackson of Warrior, Alabama. Three brothers-in-law, Erskine Williams and Theophilus Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, and Paul Williams (Veronica) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Annette (Melvin) Caudle of Gurley, Alabama. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
