The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

James Purvis Wilson, 84, of Vidor, passed away Thursday, June 26.

Purvis was born in Kirbyville July 5, 1929 to Ottis N. Wilson and Modelle Glenn Wilson. After graduating from Silsbee High School in 1946 Purvis served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1956. He graduated with honors from Lamar University with a business degree. He married the love of his life, Joyce Carol Wilson, in 1977 and they made their home in Vidor. After 32 years of marriage Joyce preceded Purvis in death in 2009. He had many accomplishments in his lifetime, but the thing he was most proud of was his family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Wilson.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Phyllis Wilson Hall, Ricky Hanks, Bobby Hanks, and his wife Roxanne, Lisa Hanks Sanders, and her husband, Mike.

His children blessed his life with 11 grandchildren that he treasured dearly. They are, Christina Hanks Droddy and her husband Raegan, Cody Hanks and his wife, Monica; J’me Blanchard and his wife, Kayla; L’ore’al Blanchard Richard and her husband, Andrew, Britlyn Sanders, Blakleigh Sanders, Chaz Hanks and his wife Crystal, Echo Hanks Meridith and her husband Chris, Josh Saunders, Luke Saunders and Heather Askew. He loved his grandchildren so much so they gave him more to love with 17 great- grandchildren.

In addition to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Purvis was also blessed with two brothers, Leon Wilson and his wife Helen of Buna, and Bob Wilson and his wife Mary of Kirbyville; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

After retirement from Equitable Bag Co., Purvis enjoyed gardening, traveling and a passion for golf as well as being a proud member of Turning Point Church in Vidor.

The family truly believes God has blessed them with additional love and support of two beautiful people into their lives, Ozzie and Rosa Hinojos of Orange. Words cannot express our gratitude for your compassion, faith, and friendship.

We will cherish his memory and will always keep him close. The impression he has left on our lives will never fade. Thank you God for sending us our angel, for he has blessed us with so much.

To celebrate his life, a memorial was held June 29.