Charles ‘Fairbanks’ Purnell, Master Carpenter
Charles “Fairbanks” Purnell, 72, of Georgetown passed away peacefully at home Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Charles, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, was born July 21, 1948, in Seaford at home.
He attended William C. Jason High School in Georgetown and went on to do one tour of duty in Vietnam. While there, his primary responsibility as a power man was to keep the power on and generators running for the hospitals and airstrips. Upon his return to the U.S., Charles had an extensive 40-plus year career in carpentry, becoming a Master Carpenter and essential jack of all trades.
Charles was an active member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Millsboro where he served as a trustee and sang in several choirs, including the Senior Choir, The Call, The Male Unity Choir and The Boys which was founded by Bro. Jack Clark. Under the leadership of Pastor Janice D. Herman, he enjoyed attending Bible Study and assisting the Youth Department with the construction of props and creating games for several outdoor community events.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Purnell and Ada Purnell (Bivens); brothers, William Purnell, Dale “Leon” Purnell and Gerald Purnell; and sister Delores Howard.
Charles was a devoted family man, and is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Linda K. Purnell; four daughters: Candace Morgan (Christopher), Amy Purnell (Shawn), Adele Hatton (Dominic) and Jessica Quailes (Kevin); five grandchildren: Shahon Deshields, Nyla Hatton, Dominic Hatton, Aaron Morgan and JaeAna Purnell; sisters-in-law, Pamela A. Johnson and Linda Crum; along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life Service will be held in the sanctuary of Friendship United Methodist Church, 30983 Friendship Road, Millsboro, Saturday, Dec. 19, at noon. A time of visitation will begin at 10 a.m. All in attendance must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing and gathering protocols. The service will also be available live via Facebook thru “Friendship UMC.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Friendship United Methodist Church, 30983 Friendship Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
