Calvin Purcell

Childhood

Calvin Purcell (85) was born on February 28, 1941, in Baltimore City, Maryland. He was the second child of eight born to Delia and Thedford Purcell. He attended Shaw High School in Raeford, North Carolina.

In high school, Calvin’s love of music motivated him to often participate in singing groups and choirs, including his quartet winning first place in the “Solo and Ensemble Festival” in North Carolina. Calvin also sang with quartet groups on local and regional radio stations and in churches. He continued singing into adulthood with his children and family, as well as regularly with his church community. Singing was a source of great joy for him, and he shared his love of music with his family and friends throughout his life.

Military Career

Calvin volunteered for the military draft in 1959 and went on to become a devoted soldier, respected leader, and courageous patriot. His exceptional 21-year Army career of honorable service reflected unwavering dedication, steadfast character, and a profound commitment to his country, duty, and family. He served as an electrical technician, paratrooper, and drill sergeant, including tours in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Germany.

Calvin devoted more than two decades of his life to the United States Army, building a distinguished career defined by perseverance, leadership, technical expertise, and courage. He entered active duty at Fort Gordon, Georgia and ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), E-7, a senior noncommissioned officer rank earned through years of experience, responsibility, and dedicated service. His final assignment was with Company B, 5th Battalion (OSUT), 1st Signal Brigade, at Fort Gordon, where he served in the Army’s communications and electronics training organization as a 31ZH, Communications-Electronics Operations Chief. Calvin completed his service, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professional achievement.

A Record of Courage and Achievement

A significant chapter of Calvin’s military career was his service during the Vietnam era. His record reflects participation in four officially recognized campaigns, for which he received the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also associated with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, a recognition of exceptional valor, courage, and heroism awarded to the unit in which he served alongside U.S. and allied forces.

Calvin also received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, second award, recognizing participation in qualifying military operations. His accomplishments included earning the Army Parachutist Badge, or “Airborne wings,” demonstrating successful completion of the Army’s required airborne training. His decorations further included the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service, notable achievement, and heroism; six Army Good Conduct Medals, reflecting repeated periods of honorable and faithful service; and the National Defense Service Medal.

A Legacy of Honor and Service

Yet Calvin’s legacy cannot be measured simply by the medals and honors he received. His time in the Army represents a life of sacrifice, discipline, bravery, leadership, perseverance, and faithful service to the United States military, his community, and family. His career reflects the dedication of a soldier who developed expertise in a highly technical communications and electronics field, accepted the responsibilities of senior leadership, and served during a pivotal period in American military history, earning the respect reflected in his rank and decorations.

For his family, his military records provide a meaningful glimpse into an important chapter of Calvin’s life; a chapter defined by duty, courage, and service to others. When he concluded his active-duty career and entered retired status, he brought to a close more than two decades of active military service while remaining forever a part of the Army family. His legacy is one his family can remember with deep pride and gratitude; a life dedicated to serving his fellow soldiers, his country, and a cause greater than himself.

Civilian Life

Once he began his military retirement, Calvin attended and graduated from Augusta Technical College. Afterwards, he was hired at the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (Plant Vogtle). After it closed, he was ultimately hired at the Savannah River Site, where he worked from January 1990 until his retirement in July 2005.

Calvin was also very active in the Christian community, serving at many churches as a Deacon, Deacon Board leader, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, and Sunday School Program superintendent. He was also a faithful tenor and leader in mass choirs and men’s groups. For many years, he enjoyed singing alongside his daughter, Anita, and son, Anthony.

Marriage and Family

Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Delia and Thedford; his brothers, Wardell, Arvie, and Jerry; and his sister, Catherine.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie Purcell; his children, Alvin (Betty), twins Patricia (Adrian) and Melisha (LaRalpheal), Anthony (Kelley), and Anita; as well as his siblings, Wilbert (Linda), Doris, and Lennard. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Terrans (Ania), Benjamin, Charmise (Brandon), and Donovan. He also leaves three great-grandchildren, Skylar, and twins Alex and Bruno; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son with Minister Maggie McDonald of Ruach ministries officiating. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com