Dennis and Cathleen Purdie had a brief encounter with one another while attending a bereavement class after losing their spouses. A few months had passed since seeing each other, when they met again in a store in the small town of Belleville, Michigan. As they were rounding a corner in the grocery store, Dennis accidentally bumped into Cathleen with his buggy. As they looked at one another, they remembered each other immediately. Dennis asked her if she would like to go across the street to a restaurant and have a cup of coffee—of course she said yes.

This was the first of two more “yes’s” to be spoken by Cathleen: one when Dennis proposed marriage, and the other when they stood at the altar of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church on January 22nd, 1991 and said “Yes, I do” to each other. From that day forward, not only would Dennis and Cathleen’s lives be richly blessed by their union, but the lives of all those that knew them would feel those blessings. Between them they had eight grown children, all of them married and having children of their own. At times, the eight wondered if their parents actually saw all of them as blessings, especially when they would show up at their home and spend a few days. We knew they enjoyed every one of us and our families, because we were always invited back again, and again, and again. One of the best days for Dennis and Cathleen would be golfing with their children and grandchildren. The goal for the grandsons when getting to play golf with the adults was always, “who’s going to beat grandma at golf today?” All the times Dennis and Cathleen spent with their sons, daughters, grandsons, and friends on the course were very treasured times and they loved every minute. Dennis and Cathleen inspired a love for the game of golf within their family. For those that didn’t golf, there was always shopping, and Cathleen was always “game on” for that. Shopping with the daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters, was always an adventure. While their shopping “experience” was happening, Dennis and the guys would spend time doing what they enjoyed, golfing without those that didn’t golf, watching a sporting event on the television, or just spending time together. Whatever they decided to do, it was always best to do it as a family. That is where the love was felt most.

Their love for their family was to be admired. Their home was always full of love, and everyone was welcome. There were times when their neighbors would mention to them that they could hear the laughter from one back deck to another, and what a wonderful sound it was. If family wasn’t visiting at their home, the family was asking them to come to their homes. They spent many, many vacations in Michigan with their kids. Many weddings, births, graduations, Christmas parties, summer parties, sporting events—if Dennis and Cathleen could make the trip, nothing would keep them away. They were so proud of each and every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. There were also many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays celebrated right here in their home. Dennis’ brother and Cathleen’s sister, along with their families, would come and celebrate as often as possible. Family has always been an integral part of the Purdie family, and Dennis and Cathleen wouldn’t have had it any other way. Close to their hearts were their grandsons currently serving in the military, Drew and Alec. These young men need to know just how proud their grandparents were of them and their service. Bless you! Dennis and Cathleen loved The Lord. There was absolutely no mistake in knowing this, as they were very willing to share with anyone they could. Whether it was sharing scripture, buying a coffee for someone that was cold, giving a lift to someone walking on the road, or providing a meal to anyone that looked hungry and wanting, they shared whatever and whenever the opportunity was presented. Their hearts were warm toward others, their faith was strong that The Lord would guide them to those in need, and they were always gentle and kind. One month ago, they were here with us and sharing all that they had. Our world was grand. Today, they are with The Heavenly Father, and we are here finding our place, learning how to apply all that they’ve taught us. There is an emptiness in our hearts, they will be sorely missed.

Dennis Gordon Purdie passed away on June 12, 2020. He was born in Romulus, Michigan to Stuart and Helen (Bylund) Purdie. Wilma Cathleen (King) Purdie passed away on June 2, 2020, in Crossville, Tennessee. She was born in Granville, Tennessee to Leslie and Callie (Keith) King. Dennis and Cathleen were married on January 22, 1991, in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.

Survived by Children: Karen (Dale) Helton; William (Connie) Martin; Kirk (Sherry) Martin; Pamela (Brian) Baker; Kimberly Sterling; Michael (Denise) Sterling; Jeffrey (Mary) Sterling; Leslie (Doug) Nitchman. Dennis and Cathleena celebrated 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dennis is also survived by his brothers Dave (Nanci) Purdie and Craig (Ernestine) Purdie; his sister Cheryl (Jay) Wagner. Cathleen is also survived by her sister Reba (King) Smith. Services for Dennis and Cathleen will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, at 2 p.m. Service will be at the church pavilion outside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church.