Roderick Lane Puryear's Obituary
Roderick Lane Puryear (aka Rod) was born in Greenville, NC on May 20, 1939, and passed away in Tacoma, WA on June 20, 2022, at the age of 83.
He is survived by his wife Linda of 57 years, Daughter Julie (Dan), sons Rod (Rhonda) and Darin (Kenani), ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Novella Puryear, Sister Doris, and Brothers Alton (Buck) and Frank and his infant son who passed away at birth. He leaves behind one brother, Charles (Charlene) Puryear in Columbia, SC
He is a US Air Force Veteran having served from 1962 – 1966 as a mechanic on the C124 Globemaster Aircraft. He went on to work as an installer/repairman at Pacific NW Bell for thirty-four (34) years.
He was an avid fisherman, car collector and storyteller. He enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in Ocean Shores. Rod was the epitome of a hard worker, never taking a sick day, and working diligently around his beloved home into his 80s after retiring from Ma Bell. His large family was his pride and joy, never failing to talk proudly about them to any stranger who would listen. He had a bottom line that would not bend, was highly intelligent, and did his best to help his family and friends whenever they were in need. He was a great teacher. He taught us so many things that it would be difficult to count them. Much of who his children are is as a result of watching and helping with things from home projects to car repairs. His most important lesson was to not be afraid to try to do something you've never done.
Those who knew him and had the pleasure of calling him Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother and Friend sorely miss him.
In lieu of flowers, the Family asks that a donation be made in Rod’s name to MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, where he received such compassionate and competent care.
A graveside service is scheduled for Friday July 22, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. View Funeral Home, Mt. Rainier Memorial Garden area, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Tacoma, WA 98499
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