Howard W. Purkey, age 72, of Friendsville, Tennessee passed away Monday, April 11, 2016. He was born on May 29, 1943. Howard was a deacon with the Church of God of the Union Assembly for over 40 years. Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years and the mother of his children, Janet Richardson Purkey; parents, Marvin Purkey and Gladys Walker Purkey; a son, Estill Purkey; and a brother, Jerry Purkey. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Purkey of Friendsville, TN; son and daughter in law, Van and Tiffany Purkey of Chatsworth, GA; daughters and son in law, Euvelia Brock of Calhoun, GA, Jessica and Justin Saylor of Calhoun, GA; brothers, Benny Purkey of Maryville, TN, Dennis Purkey of Louisville, TN; sisters, Jeanie Anderson of Maryville, TN, Wilma Simerley of Louisville, TN, Teresa Locklear of Louisville, TN; grandchildren, Austin Purkey and Angie Purkey of Chatsworth, GA, and some on the way; several nieces, nephews and friends. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Howard W. Purkey will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the chapel of Dalton Funeral Home. Interment will be at Whitfield Memorial Gardens on Friday morning, April 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM. The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 4-7 PM on Thursday prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.