Funeral services for Rev. John Wesley Purifoy Jr., 78, of Colony will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 22nd at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Burial will follow the service at Colony Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday March 21st from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Hanceville Funeral Home.
Reverend John Wesley Purifoy, Jr was born June 6, 1946, to the late John, Sr., and Hattie Sanders
Purifoy, in Warrior, Alabama. He was the eldest of six children. He is preceded in death, by his
parents, his grandparents Edward and Annie Lee Purifoy, his sister Norma Jean Gates, his
brother Claudis L. Purifoy and his in-laws Paul T. and Margaret Williams.
John accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. James United Methodist Church in Warrior,
Alabama, under the leadership of Rev. O.V. Porter. He later moved his membership to Pleasant
Grove United Methodist, Colony, AL. John departed this life on March 14, 2025.
John graduated from Hooper City High School in 1964. He later began working in his chosen
profession as an optician for over 60 years. On January 5, 1969, he married the love of his life
Gwendolyn Johnson. He moved to Colony, Alabama where he began his new life. Three children
were born into this union: John, III, Kimberly, and Jason.
The joys of John’s life were putting God first then family and friends. He loved fishing, sports
and children. Then had a deep concern for the young generation in church and community. He
was very supportive of everyone always encouraging.
When the Town of Colony became incorporated in 1981, John was elected as its first Mayor, of
the Town of Colony, serving one term. He opened Fashion Optical, as a part-time business in the
1980’s, but decided to become fully self-employed in 1996 and did so until his passing. While
making eyeglasses, John was given plenty time to study God’s word and discuss it with his
customers. When he felt the calling of the Lord, John became a Lay Speaker first and progressed
into the ministry of the Methodist Church. He completed the United Methodist Licensing School,
to become a local pastor. His first appointment was Holston Chapel United Methodist Church,
located in Trafford, Alabama, where he served as pastor for two years. After which he was
appointed to Lakeview United Methodist Church located in Tanner, Alabama. John joyfully
served as pastor for six years. His health began to fail and he returned to his home church,
Pleasant Grove United Methodist, where he served as an Associate until his passing.
He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn. His children John, III, Kimberly,
and Jason (Gia). His grandchildren Justin Brown, Brandon Purifoy, Keith Twitty, II, Peyton
Purifoy-Cain (Austin), Jason, and one great-grandchild Jada Brown. His siblings Jeanette Hanna,
Larry Purifoy (Melva Jean), and Shirley Jackson of Warrior, Alabama. Three brothers-in-law,
Erskine Williams and Theophilus Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, and Paul Williams (Veronica) of
Jackson, Tennessee, and Annette (Melvin) Caudle of Gurley, Alabama. A host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, and friends.
