Raymond Pursifull

Waynesville, Raymond Darby “Ray” Pursifull, age 70, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Memorial Mission Hospital.

Raymond was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida to the late Eugene Sparks and Camille Surdi Pursifull.  Ray was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated from Bishop Barry High School and attended St. Pete Junior College.  He went to work for Publix Supermarket at the age of 16.  He was a dedicated Publix employee for 39 years.  Ray retired in 2006 as a District Manager.  Prior to retirement, he served for Publix on the Board of Directors for United Way of Manatee County.

Ray was one of the greatest ambassadors and a mentor to many both young and old at Publix.  He was called “The Professor” by his coworkers and his infamous saying was, “Begin, the rest is easy.”  The Publix associates refer to their love of Publix as they “Bleed Green” and Raymond was the embodiment of bleeding green.

In 1977, he married the love of his life, Rochelle.  Their love and devotion endured for 44 years, as they were best of friends.  Together they raised three beautiful children, Nick, Kristine, and Darby.  Ray was first and foremost, a family man.  This was displayed through his hard work, dedication and love.  He spoke often of his children to others and how much he loved them.  Ray taught us to stand tall in the face of adversity and always give our best.  He led by example and set the bar high for family and coworkers.  Ray was a man who never met a stranger.  He started each new relationship with a kind word, his hand outstretched, an ended each visit with a hug.  Ray was the patriarch for his family and will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Rochelle Pursifull, of Waynesville; two daughters, Kristine Pursifull Olah (Joey), of Crawfordville, Florida and Darby Pursifull Ritchey (Patrick), of Sarasota, Florida; one son, Nicholas Surdi Pursifull, of St. Petersburg, Florida; one brother, David Pursifull (Judy), of Avery, Texas; two granddaughters, Ashley Danielle Goins and Kaitlyn Pursifull; and two nephews, Michael and Thomas Pursifull.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to United Way Suncoast, 5201 West Kennedy Blvd. Suite 600, Tampa, Florida 33609; Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. 256 Industrial Park Dr., Suite B, Waynesville, NC 28786