Colonel Frank James Pursley, 85 of Lynchburg, died Friday, November16, 2012. He was the widower of Dymple Edwards Pursley (1986) and Barbara McCombie Pursley (2007).
Born May 5, 1927, in Durham, NC, Frank was the son of the late Alton James and Vesta Andrews Pursley.
Frank is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Niles (Ray) of Fairfax Station and Susan Evans (Doug) of Lynchburg; and one son, Frank J. Pursley, Jr., nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two step-sons Chuck McCombie (Ronnie), Keith McCombie (Jenny Lee), and two step-daughters, Hope McCracken andVanessa Matteson (Steve ) all of Lynchburg and two step-grandchildren.
Frank was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War; he served his country proudly until retiring in May 1987. Frank later retired from the VA Dept. of Transportation after 20 years of service. Frank had a passion for music, played the trumpet and trombone, and was lead vocalist for several Big Band Orchestras in the Lynchburg area. He was an avid golfer and a member of Court Street United Methodist Church.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A graveside service will follow at noon in Spring Hill Cemetery with the Rev. C. Douglas Pillow officiating. Full military honors will be provided.
The family requests memorials be made to the local Wounded Warriors Fund, 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family.