Millard Dwight Purifoy

Millard Dwight Purifoy, 64, of Hope, Arkansas, passed from this life at his sister’s home in Kilgore, Texas, Thursday, February 7, 2019. Services will be 11 am Friday, February 22, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Danville, Kilgore, Texas, with Pastor Freeman Pierce officiating. 

Dwight was born November 29, 1954 in Prescott, Arkansas to parents Millard Purifoy and Reba Merle Van Houten Purifoy Rials. He will rest with family at Red Hill Cemetery, Ouachita County, Arkansas in the land he had always cherished as home. 

Dwight is survived by step-sons Dale Wright and Wayne Sikes of Russelville, Arkansas; sister Merlean Purifoy Thompson of Kilgore, Texas; brother Robert Randal Rialsof Gilmer, Texas; sister Jackie Elene Rials of Gilmer, Texas; aunts and uncles, Fonda and Ottis Hale Purifoy of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Yvonne Van Houten Lee of Gladewater, Texas, Maxey Van Houten of La Marque, Texas, and Linda and Roy Van Houten of Gladewater, Texas, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dwight was proceeded in death by his beloved Sandy Underwood as well as parents Millard Purifoy of Hope (formally from Gurdon), Arkansas and Reba Merle Van Houten Purifoy Rials of Gilmer, Texas; brother Gerald D.Purifoy; sister Ruby Lynn Purifoy; Grandparents Euphyand Dee Purifoy of Gurdon, Arkansas and Ruby and Dutch Van Houten of Gladewater, Texas.

Dwight loved Arkansas, especially- Hope. After a tour in Vietnam he hung up his Marine Corps uniform and returned to Hope. There his greatest pleasure came from visiting with family and friends. At almost any time he could be found sitting in a hard backed dining room chair, inside or out, coffee in one hand, cigarette in the other, sharing a story. That boy could tell a story.

We love you baby.

Sleep on now, and take your rest.  Matthew 26:45